Celastraceae
Salacia lehmbachii
S
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
Salacia lehmbachii is an erect shrub or small tree, typically reaching up to 3 metres tall, with firm, hard, and seasonally evergreen leaves measuring 7-17 cm long by 3-6 cm wide. It bears small, orange-red flowers in the leaf axils, which develop into edible, red, oval fruits, 3-7 cm long. This species is naturally found in the understorey of tropical lowland coastal and rainforests across East, West, and Central Africa.
Where it works in Kilifi
This indigenous shrub thrives in shaded to semi-shaded conditions, making it suitable for understorey planting in a Kilifi garden or landscape. It can function as an attractive specimen plant, a component of a mixed native hedge, or for ecological restoration within forested areas.
Growing notes
As a tropical forest species, it prefers consistent moisture, especially during establishment, and benefits from humid, well-drained soil conditions. Young plants should be protected from intense, direct sunlight.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: jstor.org, nih.gov, helloplants.org, africanplantdatabase.ch, researchgate.net. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.