Bigogniaceae
Stereospermum kunthianum
Pink jacaranda · Mti sumu
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 or shrub typically grows 3-15 metres tall, featuring a light, rounded crown and thin, grey bark that often flakes off in patches, revealing a paler underbark. It produces abundant, fragrant, showy pink to dark pink flowers with red streaks, which appear on the bare tree before the new leaves. The tree then bears long, slender, spirally twisted pods, up to 60 cm, that contain winged seeds and remain on the tree for several months.
Where it works in Kilifi
Well-suited for Kilifi Coast gardens and landscapes, this tree thrives in full sun and on light silty or sandy soils, often found on rocky outcrops, bushland, and forest margins. It is ideal as an ornamental specimen tree in parks and gardens, best planted as a solitary feature.
Growing notes
A fast-growing species, it tolerates dry conditions once established, originating from dry to moist tropical regions. While generally hardy, its wood can be susceptible to borer, termite, and fungal attacks.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: google.com, wikipedia.org, worldagroforestry.org, theferns.info, drcongoflora.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.