Apocynaceae
Tabernaemontana elegans
Toad Tree
T
Available in our catalogue
We propagate this species and you can order it from our catalogue.
View in catalogue →About
This attractive, often multi-stemmed tree features fragrant, creamy-white flowers that bloom profusely. Its most striking feature is the warty, grey-green, twin-lobed fruit, resembling a toad, which splits to reveal orange seeds.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for full sun to partial shade, it thrives in well-drained soils and makes an excellent specimen tree or a component in mixed shrub borders. Its dense canopy also provides good shade or screening for privacy.
Growing notes
It exhibits a moderate growth rate and, once established, is remarkably drought-tolerant, requiring minimal supplemental watering. Handle with care as the milky sap can cause skin irritation.
Sources
Drafted from: Gemini 2.5 Flash. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.