Malvaceae
Thespesia populnea
Portia tree · Mtakawa
S
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This evergreen can be grown as a shrub or medium-sized tree, typically reaching 6–10 metres in height. It features shiny green, heart-shaped leaves and distinctive hibiscus-like flowers that open pale yellow with a maroon centre, transitioning to deep orange by day's end. The fruit is an indehiscent, globose capsule, and its durable reddish-brown heartwood is valued for carving.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for Kilifi-coast gardens, this species thrives in full sun and tolerates wind and salt spray, making it excellent for seaside locations. It suits well-drained sandy, volcanic, or rocky soils, serving as a specimen tree, for shade, or coastal erosion control.
Growing notes
A rapid grower when young, its growth rate slows after 7-10 years. Once established, it is drought-tolerant but benefits from regular watering in well-drained soil. The root is toxic, and its heartwood may cause contact dermatitis; avoid planting near cotton due to pest host potential.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: wikipedia.org, worldagroforestry.org, sheffields.com, pfaf.org, plantsnap.com, plantpono.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.