Rutaceae
Vepris sp.
White ironwood
T
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
Vepris species are unarmed evergreen shrubs or trees, predominantly found in tropical lowland evergreen forests and coastal thickets across Eastern Africa. Their leaves are typically digitately compound with one to five leaflets, often leathery, gland-dotted, and may release a lemony scent when crushed. They produce small, inconspicuous flowers followed by small, ovoid to globose fruits that ripen to shades of orange-red or black.
Where it works in Kilifi
These trees thrive in full sun to semi-shade and prefer well-drained, fertile soils, including sandy or coral rag soils typical of the Kilifi coast. They are suitable for reforestation, as specimen trees, or in mixed native plantings, often serving as indicators of undisturbed forest habitats.
Growing notes
Vepris species generally exhibit a moderate to slow growth rate. Once established, they are reasonably drought-tolerant, with some species able to withstand light frost. Propagation is commonly achieved through seeds, although germination rates can sometimes be low.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: biorxiv.org, worldagroforestry.org, grokipedia.com, sanbi.org, treesa.org, wikipedia.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.