Apocynaceae
Tabernaemontana pachysiphon
Giant Pinwheel Flower
T
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This evergreen shrub or small tree typically grows 2-18 metres tall, featuring semi-glossy, dark green, elliptic leaves. It produces fragrant, white to pale yellow pinwheel-shaped flowers, often with a sweet scent akin to vanilla and gardenia, which bloom almost all year round. The plant also bears large, green, almost spherical fruits up to 15 cm in diameter, and contains an abundance of white latex.
Where it works in Kilifi
Thriving in light forest understorey and riverine settings, this species is ideal for Kilifi coast gardens in partial to light shade. It serves well as an ornamental specimen or shade plant, requiring consistent moisture.
Growing notes
This species blooms and fruits throughout the year. It requires consistently moist soil and should not be allowed to dry out between waterings. The plant is not cold-tolerant and its white milky sap is toxic.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: prota4u.org, theferns.info, wikipedia.org, elarishtropicalexotics.com, ntbg.org, gardendrum.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.