Rubiaceae
Vangueriopsis shimbaensis
T
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This deciduous tree grows up to 10 metres tall, featuring a single trunk with smooth, greyish bark and a spreading crown. Its opposite, leathery leaves are elliptic to obovate, 10–20 cm long, dark green above and paler beneath, with notable long-caudate stipules. Conspicuous white to cream flowers appear in axillary cymes, followed by asymmetrical, golden-brown tomentose fruits.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for coastal Kenya garden restoration, this endemic species thrives in lowland, semi-deciduous forest conditions. Plant in sandy-loam soils that retain humidity, suitable for a prominent specimen or shade tree.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: grokipedia.com, researchgate.net. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.