Euphorbiaceae
Tragia furialis
Fury vine · Kiwari
C
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
Tragia furialis is a climbing perennial herb or shrub, typically growing up to 3 metres long with stems covered in stinging hairs. Its ovate-lanceolate leaves, 5–13 cm long, have sharply serrated margins and a cordate base, with 5–7 prominent veins. The plant produces small, yellow, unisexual flowers on the same plant, and its fruit is a distinctive strongly 3-lobed capsule, smooth and green with some rough hairs on the ribs.
Where it works in Kilifi
This native climber thrives in low-altitude evergreen forests and riparian thickets, making it suitable for restoration projects in coastal Kilifi. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained, sandy soil. Provide structural support for its climbing habit.
Growing notes
A perennial, Tragia furialis can be propagated by seed or division and is drought-tolerant once established. It prefers temperatures between 10-25°C. Caution is advised as the plant is covered in stinging hairs, which can cause skin irritation upon contact.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: jstor.org, theferns.info, mozambiqueflora.com, zimbabweflora.co.zw, nih.gov, selinawamucii.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.