Euphorbiaceae
Suregada zanzibariensis
Woodland suregada · Mdimu msitu
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This species is a glabrous shrub or small tree, typically growing up to 10 metres tall, with characteristic horizontal branches and smooth, grey bark often marked with fine longitudinal lines. Its leathery leaves are obovate to elliptic-oblanceolate, dark green above with distinct small pustules and paler beneath. It produces small, greenish to creamy-white unisexual flowers and 3-lobed to subglobose fruits, which are smooth and green, turning black when mature.
Where it works in Kilifi
Well-suited for Kilifi coastal gardens and landscapes, this species thrives in sandy soils found in woodlands, riverine forests, and coastal areas. It can be used as a specimen shrub or small tree, as part of a hedge, or for coastal restoration efforts.
Growing notes
Suregada zanzibariensis is a dioecious species, meaning both male and female plants are required if fruit and seeds are desired. It grows well in both fertile and poor sandy soils.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: prota4u.org, mozambiqueflora.com, jstor.org, sanbi.org, researchgate.net, theferns.info. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.