Sapindaceae
Zanha golungensis
Smooth-fruited zanha · Mkalya, mkwanga
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This deciduous shrub or medium-sized tree typically reaches 6–30 metres tall, with a dense, heavily branched crown and flaking greyish-brown bark. Its paripinnately compound leaves feature 3–7 pairs of leaflets, and it produces small, sweet-scented greenish flowers before new foliage emerges. The tree yields ellipsoid, fleshy drupes that ripen to yellow, orange, or pink.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal as a specimen or shade tree in Kilifi-coast gardens, thriving in well-drained soils. Its adaptability to deciduous and riverine forests suggests suitability for restoration projects in drier, well-drained areas.
Growing notes
Propagation from fresh seeds is easy, with germination typically occurring within two months. Young seedlings have shown good drought tolerance, surviving dry periods of up to three weeks. This species is deciduous, shedding most leaves during the dry season, and while fruits are edible, consuming large quantities can cause severe diarrhoea due to saponins.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: prota4u.org, grokipedia.com, wikipedia.org, theferns.info, proquest.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.