Malvaceae
Triumfetta heterocarpa
Sticky Burr
H
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This herbaceous plant typically grows as an upright annual or short-lived perennial, often reaching up to 1.5 metres in height. It produces small, yellow-orange flowers in leaf axils, followed by distinctive globose fruits covered in barbed spines.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for naturalising areas, this adaptable herb thrives in full sun to partial shade and tolerates a range of well-drained soils. It can serve as a quick-growing groundcover for biodiversity support or in restoration projects on disturbed sites.
Growing notes
This plant exhibits a fast growth rate and, once established, requires minimal watering, showing good drought tolerance. While hardy and adaptable, its sticky burr fruits may be an undesirable feature in high-traffic garden areas.
Sources
Drafted from: Gemini 2.5 Flash. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.