Lamiaceae
Premna discolor
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This small tree or large shrub is distinguished by its leaves, which often display a marked difference in colour between the upper and lower surfaces. It produces clusters of small, often inconspicuous flowers followed by small, round fruits.
Where it works in Kilifi
Thriving in full sun to partial shade, this species is adaptable to various well-drained soil types commonly found along the Kilifi coast. It works well as an understory tree in larger gardens, a screen, or as part of a mixed native planting.
Growing notes
It exhibits a moderate growth rate and, once established, is quite drought-tolerant, requiring minimal supplementary watering. This hardy plant is generally low-maintenance, thriving in the coastal climate without significant pest or disease issues.
Sources
Drafted from: Gemini 2.5 Flash. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.