Combretaceae
Terminalia spinosa
Spiny Terminalia · Mwanga, Mwangati, Mwarambe
T
Available in our catalogue
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View in catalogue →About
A small to medium-sized tree, up to 20 metres tall, with a layered crown of horizontal branches and a rough, grey, longitudinally fissured bark. Its zigzag twigs bear 1-3 stout spines at the base of spur shoots, from which clusters of broadly obovate leaves emerge. The tree produces white to pink flowers in spikes and distinctive winged, oval fruits that mature to orange-brown or dark brown.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for Kilifi-coast gardens, this drought-tolerant tree thrives in full sun to partial shade and sandy, well-drained soils. It serves well as a specimen tree for shade due to its layered crown, or can be planted as a live fence, especially since it is not browsed by goats. Allow ample space for its mature canopy.
Growing notes
This more or less evergreen tree is known for its relatively good germination rate, though seeds benefit from wing removal and soaking. Once established, it is highly drought tolerant, requiring watering only every 2-3 weeks. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and size, and its wood naturally resists termites and fungi.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: scialert.net, plantnet.org, worldagroforestry.org, jstor.org, selinawamucii.com, picturethisai.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.