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Top 20 Most Common Plants in Kenya

In Kenya, you can find Common lantana, Golden dewdrops, Chinese hibiscus, Silky oak, Madagascar periwinkle, and more! There are 20 types of plants in total. Be sure to look out for these common plants when you’re walking on the streets, in parks, or public gardens.

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Most Common Plants
Common lantana
1. Common lantana
The common lantana is a flowering plant that grows best in tropical environments. It spread outside the Americas when the Dutch brought it to Europe. The plant is generally regarded as an unwanted weed that reduces biodiversity. Additionally, it is toxic to livestock and harms the output of farmland.
Golden dewdrops
2. Golden dewdrops
Golden dewdrops (Duranta erecta) is an ornamental sprawling shrub commonly found in subtropical and tropical gardens all over the world. Its gentle purple blossoms are often visited by butterflies and hummingbirds. Golden dewdrops is considered a weed in Australia, South Africa and certain parts of East Asia.
Chinese hibiscus
3. Chinese hibiscus
Chinese hibiscus is a small flowering tree. Its fragrant flowers are well known the world over, leading to many cultivated variants. Chinese hibiscus is the national flower of Malaysia and is featured on Malaysian coins. Although the Latin name, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, means “the rose of China,” it is not related to true roses.
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Silky oak
4. Silky oak
Because of its prolific blossoming, which can blanket the tree canopy and provide abundant shade, the southern silky oak is a good tree for parks. Its resplendent flowers attract bees, butterflies, and birds. Prior to the invention of aluminum, its wood, which is resistant to wood rot, was frequently used for external window joinery.
Madagascar periwinkle
5. Madagascar periwinkle
The madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) is an evergreen subshrub or herbaceous plant. It has a long history of cultivation. Over the years, many cultivars have been developed, most commonly with the aim of incorporating new colors or making the plant more tolerant to cold.
Pigeon pea
6. Pigeon pea
Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) is a woody perennial shrub that will grow to 4 m tall. Flowers attract butterflies and bees. Edible seeds, seedpods, stems and shoots. A nitrogen-fixer, it improves the quality of the soil where it is planted. Grows in full sun with moist, well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant and will grow in a variety of soil conditions.
Arrowhead plant
7. Arrowhead plant
Arrowhead plant (Syngonium podophyllum) is a beautiful foliage plant, one of the most popular species of the Araceae family. Due to its air purifying qualities and good looks, arrowhead plant is often cultivated as a houseplant. Every part of this plant is toxic, so it's best to keep it away from kids and pets.
Castor bean
8. Castor bean
The castor bean is important for its oil which is used as a lubricant, biodiesel ingredient, and rodent repellent, among other applications. The plants are now commercially planted globally, with India producing nearly 75% of the world's castor oil. Castor beans cannot be eaten because they contain a potent poison that's released if the seed is broken.
Mexican sunflower
9. Mexican sunflower
The mexican sunflower is a perennial plant that can grow up to 3 m tall and is native to Mexico and Central Africa. You can find this flower in shades of red, yellow, and orange. The leaves and flowers are edible and can be used for garnishing.
Snake plant
10. Snake plant
Snake plant can be considered a houseplant and an architectural display due to its sword-like leaves with bold striping patterns, which are distinctive and eye-catching. However, use caution with this plant because it is poisonous when ingested and can cause nausea, vomiting, and even swelling of the throat and tongue.
Swiss cheese plant
11. Swiss cheese plant
The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.
Ti plant
12. Ti plant
The ti plant is a palm-like shrub that symbolizes the connection between the living and the dead for some Austronesian cultures, having many ceremonial purposes. In practical terms, ti plant is used to make dyes and is grown for ornamentation.
Paperflower
13. Paperflower
The paperflower is commonly used as an outdoor ornamental plant and thrives in warm climates. The genus Bougainvillea glabra is the official flower of many places, including Guam, Pingtung, Ipoh, Tagbilaran, San Clemente, Guangzhou, and Naha.
Garden croton
14. Garden croton
The garden croton is a showy tropical display that does well indoors or in warm climates. Known for its attractive foliage, this plant can have both color and structural variations in its leaves. Leaf colors can include orange, yellow, scarlet, white, and green, and many times all are present on one plant.
Yellow oleander
15. Yellow oleander
Yellow oleander is extremely toxic and many cases of accidental poisonings have been recorded. The toxic oils found in this plant are sometimes used in pest control measures. However, the Cascabela thevetia does have significance in some religious ceremonies, specifically the worshiping of Shiva, a Hindu deity.
Avocado
16. Avocado
Persea americana, widely known as the avocado plant, is an evergreen tree (semi-deciduous in cooler climates) that is native to Central America. It is cultivated all over the world for its nutritious fruits. Avocado has become an important plant in many cuisines due to its high nutrient and fat content, creamy texture, and distinct taste.
Santa Maria feverfew
17. Santa Maria feverfew
Parthenium hysterophorus or santa Maria feverfew is also called famine weed. It is an invasive weed that can disrupt the health of crops, pasture, livestock, and humans. A substance in the plant, called parthenin, is highly toxic and can cause dermatitis and breathing difficulties in humans and animals.
Common coleus
18. Common coleus
The common coleus is a plant that comes in a wide range of colors and leaf forms. This plant, also known as Coleus scutellarioides, is native to Southeast Asia and is used as an herbal remedy in various cultures. Common coleus is a narcotic used by the Mazatec people of Mexico. In Cuba, this plant is considered invasive.
African senna
19. African senna
African senna (Senna didymobotrya) is a semi-deciduous shrub that can grow to be 1.8 to 8 m tall. African senna grows best in full sunlight and prefers humid conditions. This species is a tropical tree with dark green leathery leaves. It blooms showy bright yellow flowers from summer to fall. The fragrant flowers have a light peanut butter scent.
Jimsonweed
20. Jimsonweed
Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium) is a species of nightshade plant native to Central America which is considered an invasive species in more temperate climates. It can be toxic if ingested in significant quantities. It has a distinctive, strong smell. The jimsonweed gets its common name from Jamestown, Virginia, where soldiers ingested the plants exhibited altered mental states afterward.
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More Plants in Kenya

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Most Common Toxic Plants

Kenya's diverse ecosystems, ranging from coastal areas to savannahs and highlands, create ideal conditions for a variety of flora, including toxic plants. These environments offer rich soils and varied climates, potentially supporting the proliferation of harmful species such as , , and . Vigilance is necessary as the presence of toxic plants can pose risks to both human and animal health.

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Most Common Flowers

Kenya boasts a diverse climate and fertile soil, providing an ideal habitat for a variety of native flowers. Among these are the enchanting , , and . These blossoms exhibit stunning colors and intricate patterns, symbolizing the vibrancy and diversity of Kenya's natural landscape. Not only are these flowers visually captivating, but they also play a vital role in the region's ecology, attracting pollinators and contributing to the overall biodiversity.

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Most Common Flowers of Spring

As the Kenyan climate transitions into the mild warmth of Spring, a spectrum of blossoms unfurl to mark the season's arrival. The bursts with vibrant hues, symbolizing new life, while the delicate blankets the landscape in a vivid display of nature's renewal. Not to be outdone, the majestic stands tall, an emblem of the resilience and regrowth inherent to Spring's awakening. Together, these flowers encapsulate the essence of rejuvenation in Kenya's diverse flora.

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Most Common Spring Fruits

Spring in Kenya bursts with life as gentle rains and warm sun fosters the growth of lush fruit plants. Among the bounty, begins to ripen, reaches its peak sweetness, and emerges fresh for harvest. These fruits symbolize the season's vitality, offering fresh, nutritious delights that embody the rejuvenating spirit of spring.

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Most Common Fruits

Kenya's equatorial climate, with ample sunlight and occasional rainfall, paired with fertile red loamy soils, creates an ideal environment for the proliferation of local fruit plants. Notably, , , and thrive, benefiting from these conditions. Each species has carved a niche in Kenyan culture, revered not only for its nutritional value but also for its role in traditional practices and local cuisine. These fruit plants are staples in Kenyan households, representing a rich agricultural heritage.

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Most Common Trees

Kenya, characterized by its diverse climatic and soil conditions, nurtures a rich variety of native trees. Among these, , , and stand out as emblematic species. These trees hold great cultural and ecological significance in the region. They provide essential habitat and food sources for local wildlife, contribute to soil fertility, and play a vital role in traditional medicines and cultural practices. Overall, Kenya's native trees are an integral part of its natural heritage and deserve conservation efforts.

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Most Common Weeds

Kenya's warm climate coupled with seasonal rains creates a fertile breeding ground for various garden weeds. Among the most ubiquitous, , , and are rife in gardens, vying for resources with cultivated plants. Their proliferation poses a significant challenge for gardeners and horticulturists, necessitating persistent management efforts to mitigate their impact on desirable flora.

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Most Common Tall Trees

In Kenya, a land of diverse ecosystems ranging from coastal regions to highlands, certain climatic zones beckon grand arboreal giants. Amid this lush tapestry, trees such as , , and ascend majestically into the skies, embodying the ecological grandeur and historical tapestry of the region. These species, which dominate the canopy, play pivotal roles in sustaining local biodiversity and hold cultural significance, mesmerizing both locals and visitors with their sheer height and presence.

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Most Common Flowers of Winter

In the serene cold of Winter in Kenya, amidst the frosty environment, certain flowers brave the chill and blossom. These resilient Winter flowers include , , and . With their beauty and symbolic depth, these blooms add a touch of vibrancy to the otherwise icy landscape.

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