Combretaceae
Terminalia parvula
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
Terminalia parvula is a small tree, typically growing 3-5 metres tall, with black or grey, striate bark. Its small, obovate or spathulate leaves measure up to 1 cm long and 0.5 cm wide, appearing on spur shoots. The plant produces white flowers in slender spikes up to 1.5 cm long, which develop into reddish, ovate-elliptic fruits 1.8–2.5 cm long and 1.2–1.8 cm wide.
Where it works in Kilifi
Native to East Kenya, including the Kilifi District, this species thrives in seasonally dry tropical biomes at altitudes between 60-870 m. It is well-suited for restoration projects or as a garden specimen, preferring full sun to partial shade in well-drained, sandy or loamy soils.
Growing notes
Once established, this species exhibits good drought tolerance, typically requiring moderate watering every 2-3 weeks. It thrives in well-drained soil and, like other Terminalia species, is sensitive to frost, though this is less of a concern on the Kilifi coast.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: jstor.org, helloplants.org, kew.org, picturethisai.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.