Malvaceae
Sterculia africana
African Star-chestnut · Mgoza, Ngozo
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 tree typically grows 5-12m tall, featuring smooth, often peeling silvery-grey bark mottled with purple-brown. Its palmately lobed leaves are clustered at branch tips, and greenish-yellow flowers with red markings appear on bare branches before new foliage emerges. The distinctive star-shaped fruits split open to reveal blue-black, tick-like seeds covered in irritating hairs.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for hot, dry areas in a Kilifi-coast garden, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. It serves well as a specimen tree, for shade, or in restoration efforts for dry woodlands, and is a good bee forage.
Growing notes
A drought-tolerant tree once established, requiring occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. It is sensitive to frost and thrives in moderate to hot temperatures. Be aware that the fruit contains irritating hairs.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: wikipedia.org, zimbabweflora.co.zw, plantsbypdc.com, grokipedia.com, malawiflora.com, worldagroforestry.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.