Annonaceae
Uvaria welwitschii
L
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
Uvaria welwitschii is a liana, scandent shrub, or small to medium-sized tree, typically reaching 2–9 metres in height. Its branches are initially covered in stellate hairs, later becoming smooth and purplish-brown. The oblong-elliptic to oblong-obovate leaves are subcoriaceous, measuring 5–16.5 cm long and 1.6–5.5 cm wide. Flowers are solitary or in short cymes with yellow, yellow-green, or yellow-brown petals, sometimes rose-coloured at the base. The edible fruits consist of 20–80 globose monocarps, 1–1.5 cm long, covered with a fine pale brown tomentum.
Where it works in Kilifi
Native to Kenya, this species thrives in seasonally dry tropical biomes and along forest margins, making it suitable for coastal Kilifi gardens. It can be cultivated as a climbing shrub or small tree, providing structural interest and potentially edible fruit. A specimen from the Kenya coast has been recorded as a distinct tree about 9 m tall.
Growing notes
The plant produces edible fruits. Its roots are known to be used in traditional medicine for stomach ailments. While specific growth rates are not widely detailed, its natural habitat in seasonally dry tropical regions suggests it is adapted to some periods of drought once established.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: jstor.org, helloplants.org, kew.org, uonbi.ac.ke. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.