Ximeniaceae
Ximenia americana
Hog Plum, Wild Plum, Tallow Wood, Sour Plum · Mtundakula, Mpingi
S
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This spreading, spiny shrub or small tree typically grows 2-7m tall, featuring dark brown to pale grey bark and purple-red branchlets often armed with slender spines. Its grey-green leaves are alternate, lanceolate to elliptic, and release a bitter almond scent when crushed. Fragrant white to yellowish flowers develop into globose to ellipsoidal drupes that ripen from green to yellow or orange-red, containing a juicy, tart pulp and a single woody seed.
Where it works in Kilifi
This hardy shrub is well-suited for Kilifi coast gardens, thriving in full sun and various well-draining soils, including sandy and nutrient-poor types. It makes an excellent specimen plant, a dense hedge, or a live fence, offering attractive foliage and edible fruits. Space plants 2.5-3 metres apart to allow for its spreading growth.
Growing notes
Ximenia americana exhibits moderate to slow growth, establishing itself as a highly drought-tolerant plant once mature, requiring minimal watering. Protect young plants from frost. Note that raw seeds and fruit pulp contain hydrocyanic acid, and young leaves must be thoroughly cooked if consumed.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: nih.gov, wikipedia.org, worldagroforestry.org, eattheweeds.com, nmppdb.com.ng, sanbi.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.