Lamiaceae
Vitex doniana
Black plum · Mfudu
T
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
Black plum is a deciduous tree growing 8-18 metres tall with a heavy, rounded crown and pale brown or greyish-white bark that has narrow, vertical fissures. Its opposite, palmately compound leaves typically have five leathery leaflets. Fragrant, cream to white flowers with a prominent hairy purple lobe appear in dense clusters, leading to oblong fruits that ripen to a purplish-black with a sweet, edible pulp.
Where it works in Kilifi
This species thrives in full sun and adapts to various well-drained soils, including alluvial types, common in coastal woodlands and riverine thickets. Its heavy, rounded crown makes it an excellent ornamental shade tree, suitable for specimen planting in larger gardens or along boundaries, also contributing to soil fertility as a nitrogen-fixing species.
Growing notes
It exhibits a moderate growth rate, with seedlings reaching up to 170 cm in three years on good soils. Once established, it has moderate water needs, preferring moist conditions and areas with a high water table, and is hardy in USDA zones 10-12.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: pfaf.org, cabidigitallibrary.org, worldagroforestry.org, zimbabweflora.co.zw, nmppdb.com.ng, uonbi.ac.ke. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.