Phyllanthaceae
Phyllanthus pinnatus
Sand potato bush
T
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This deciduous shrub or small tree grows up to 4 metres tall and is entirely hairless. It has smooth, mottled grey bark that sometimes flakes. Its small, elliptic to oblong leaves, typically 1-2 cm long, are arranged alternately along lateral branchlets, creating the impression of compound leaves. Yellowish-green, unisexual flowers appear in fragrant clusters before the new leaves, followed by yellowish, 3-lobed, nearly spherical fruits about 10 mm in diameter, which become crustaceous and wrinkled.
Where it works in Kilifi
Well-suited for hot, dry woodland and sandy soil conditions, this plant can be a resilient choice for a Kilifi-coast garden. It can serve as a specimen shrub or small tree in a dry landscape or be used in restoration areas with similar sandy, rocky soils.
Growing notes
As a deciduous species, it sheds its leaves during the dry season, with its distinctive yellowish-green flowers emerging before the new foliage appears. Once established, it is expected to have low water requirements, thriving in arid conditions.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: mozambiqueflora.com, zimbabweflora.co.zw, flowersofindia.net, kilifigarden.info.ke, jstor.org, malawiflora.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.