Annonaceae
Xylopia aethiopica
Ethiopian Pepper · Mchofu
T
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This evergreen, aromatic tree typically grows 15-30 metres tall, featuring a straight stem, a dense crown, and sometimes buttressed roots. It has a grey-brown bark that is smooth or finely fissured, and oblong to ovate, leathery leaves which are bluish-green above. Its distinctive fruit comprises clusters of dark brown, cylindrical, twisted bean-like pods, each containing 5-8 kidney-shaped black seeds with an aromatic hull.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for a Kilifi-coast garden, this tree thrives in full sun (6-8 hours daily) and prefers well-drained loamy or sandy loam soils, though it can tolerate clayish and poorly drained areas. It serves well as a specimen tree, providing excellent shade, or as an ornamental, planted approximately eight metres apart.
Growing notes
Xylopia aethiopica exhibits rapid growth in its initial three years. Once established, it is drought-tolerant but benefits from consistently moist soil, particularly during its active growing season. This tropical species is not frost-tolerant and requires temperatures above 15°C.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: combonimissionaries.co.uk, cabidigitallibrary.org, worldagroforestry.org, nih.gov, nmppdb.com.ng, rareplants.es. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.