Apocynaceae
Rauvolfia mombasiana
Lesser quinine-tree · Mti sumu
S
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Rauvolfia mombasiana is a shrub or small tree, typically growing between 0.5 and 9 metres tall, with bark that is grey-brown and lenticellate, varying from smooth to rough. Its glossy, hairless leaves are narrowly obovate to narrowly elliptic, featuring 8-25 secondary veins on each side of the midrib. The plant produces white or greenish-white flowers in lax, axillary heads, which develop into orange to red ellipsoid fruits, 5-10 mm long. This species contains alkaloids and is known to be poisonous; its bark has been used as rat poison and it is also recognised as a suicide poison.
Where it works in Kilifi
Native to the Kenya Coast, this evergreen shrub or small tree thrives in sandy or rocky places near the coast, riverbanks, and in light forest or woodland. It is suitable for Kilifi coastal gardens, particularly in areas with sandy soil, and can be integrated into mixed native plantings or restoration efforts.
Growing notes
Propagation can be achieved from seed or cuttings, requiring a warm, moist, well-drained soil mix and regular watering and fertilising during the establishment phase. It is crucial to note that the plant is poisonous, with its bark and roots containing toxic compounds.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: prota4u.org, theferns.info, mozambiqueflora.com, jstor.org, worldagroforestry.org, kilifigarden.info.ke. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.