Caryophyllaceae
Polycarpaea tenuistyla
Slender-styled Polycarpaea
H
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This small herb or subshrub, often with a woody base, is indigenous to southeastern Kenya, including the Kilifi District. It features densely leafy stems adorned with narrowly linear, acute leaves, measuring 3–11 mm long and 0.25 mm broad. The plant produces terminal, many-flowered, congested inflorescences with small, white, star-shaped flowers.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for dry, sunny locations in a Kilifi-coast garden, this species thrives in well-drained soil, making it suitable for rockeries, groundcover, or restoration planting within seasonally dry tropical biomes.
Growing notes
Best cultivated in full sun to partial shade, this perennial prefers well-drained soil and can be propagated from seed, division, or cuttings. Once established, it is likely to be drought-tolerant, aligning with its native habitat in open grasslands, scrub, and deciduous forests.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: selinawamucii.com, kew.org, jstor.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.