Meliaceae
Xylocarpus moluccensis
Cedar mangrove · Mkomafi dume
T
Available in our catalogue
We propagate this species and you can order it from our catalogue.
View in catalogue →About
This medium-sized, semi-evergreen mangrove tree can grow up to 30 metres tall and is characterised by rough, longitudinally fissured bark. It produces compound leaves with 2-4 pairs of oval to oblong leaflets, which may turn vivid yellow seasonally. Small, creamy-white flowers mature into distinctive rounded fruits, typically 8-12 cm in diameter, containing woody seeds. The timber is valued for high-quality furniture and boat building, and its bark, seeds, and fruits are used in traditional medicine for ailments such as stomachaches and fevers.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for sunny positions in Kilifi's coastal gardens and landscapes, particularly in mangrove restoration areas or as a specimen tree in saline-tolerant zones. It thrives in mangrove swamps, tidal forests, and coastal scrub on sandy or coral soils, typically just above the high-water mark. Though rare in Kenyan mangroves, its planting supports local biodiversity.
Growing notes
This species prefers wet, lowland tropical conditions and benefits from ample freshwater and high rainfall for robust growth. Seeds should be sown fresh as viability decreases rapidly upon storage, and they require a period of cool conditions before opening from their hard, thick fruit. Once established, consistent moisture, characteristic of its inter-tidal habitat, is essential.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: wildsingapore.com, wikipedia.org, natureinfo.com.bd, jstor.org, kew.org, wjpsonline.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.