Rutaceae
Toddalia asiatica
Orange climber · Mdaka Komba
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This woody liana or scrambling shrub can reach up to 10 metres, climbing with woody, corky, thorny stems. Its shiny, trifoliate leaves are highly aromatic with a lemon scent when crushed. It produces small greenish-yellow flowers followed by edible, orange, berry-like fruits that taste like a cross between an orange and a lemon.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for Kilifi gardens in full sun, this thorny plant serves well as a security hedge or an ornamental climbing specimen. It thrives in well-drained, reasonable to clay soils, including sandy clay loam, and prefers areas with consistent moisture.
Growing notes
A strong and fast grower, this species is easy to cultivate in warm, frost-free environments. It can be propagated from fresh seeds, which germinate quickly, or from cuttings. Once established, it benefits from a fairly high annual rainfall and requires moderate watering.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: sanbi.org, ask-ayurveda.com, zimbabweflora.co.zw, wikipedia.org, mozambiqueflora.com, himalayanwildfoodplants.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.