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Top 20 Most Common Plants in Tanzania

In Tanzania, you can find Siamese cassia, White leadtree, Common lantana, Neem tree, Yellow oleander, 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
Siamese cassia
1. Siamese cassia
Senna siamea (Burmese: မယ်ဇလီ, mezali; Thai: ขี้เหล็ก, khilek), also known as Siamese cassia, kassod tree, cassod tree and cassia tree, is a legume in the subfamily Caesalpinioideae. It is native to South and Southeast Asia, although its exact origin is unknown. It is a medium-size, evergreen tree growing up to 18 m with yellow flowers. It is often used as shade tree in cocoa, coffee and tea plantations. In Thailand it is the provincial tree of Chaiyaphum Province and some places in the country are named after it. Leaves are alternate, pinnately compound, with slender, green-reddish, tinged axis and 6 to 12 pairs of leaflets on short stalks, rounded at both ends.
White leadtree
2. White leadtree
White leadtree (Leucaena leucocephala) is a small tree native to Mexico and Central America. Planting white leadtree makes the soil fertile as other Legumes do. It has been also used for livestock feed and firewood. This tree is also called a "miracle tree" for its many uses.
Common lantana
3. 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.
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Neem tree
4. Neem tree
Neem tree (*Azadirachta indica*) is a flowering tree species related to mahogany and with an appearance similar to that of the chinaberry tree. For centuries, it has played an important role in Indian culture. Commercially, the neem tree is used to produce neem oil, pesticides, and cosmetics.
Yellow oleander
5. 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.
Sisal
6. Sisal
Sisal (Agave sisalana) is a succulent plant whose yellow flowers bloom along a stalk rising up to 9 m tall and have an unpleasant scent. The flowers, stalk, basal rosette and sap of this plant are edible. Plant in full sun outdoors or place in a bright, sunny location indoors.
Pigeon pea
7. 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.
Golden dewdrops
8. 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.
Royal poinciana
9. Royal poinciana
Royal poinciana (Delonix regia) is also known as the “peacock tree” or the “flamboyant tree.” It’s a Madagascar native and is known for its brilliant crimson or red-yellow flowers. It grows exceedingly fast, reaching its maximum height of around 12 m in a short amount of time.
Tropical almond
10. Tropical almond
Tropical almond is grown commonly as an ornamental tree. It is prized for its ability to provide shade with its large leaves. These leaves are commonly used in aquariums by fish breeders for their ability to lower the pH and heavy metal content of the water. Although the fruit of the tropical almond is edible, the taste is slightly acidic.
Castor bean
11. 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.
Common bean
12. Common bean
Common bean is one of the most widely produced cash crops in the world, with 23.6 million tons grown in 2016. China is the largest producer of common bean, accounting for 79% of the market share. While common bean is known as a staple food source, the leaves can be used to trap bedbugs and the beans are widely used in a type of fortune-telling called "pharmancy".
Guava
13. Guava
Guava (*Psidium guajava*) is a fruit-producing evergreen shrub that grows natively in the Caribbean region and South America. Guava attracts the honey bee and other insects, and guava fruit is edible. Additionally, guava wood is used for smoking meat.
Mango tree
14. Mango tree
Mango tree is a large tree native to the Indian subcontinent. It is most well-known for the tropical fruit it produces, and mango is the national fruit of India, Pakistan, and the Philippines. Mango tree can also be used for wood after the tree’s fruit production is over. This type of wood is highly prized for making musical instruments.
Madagascar periwinkle
15. 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.
Grain sorghum
16. Grain sorghum
The grain of grain sorghum is utilized for human consumption, animal feed, and ethanol manufacturing. It is commonly grown in tropical and subtropical countries, originating in Africa. The grain is used to make liquor, animal feed, and bio-based ethanol, among other things.
Apple of Sodom
17. Apple of Sodom
Apple of Sodom, or Calotropis procera, is an extremely poisonous plant. The fruit of this plant ripens and bursts, causing the seeds to scatter. In Jamaica, the fibers inside of the fruit are collected and used to stuff pillows.
Manila tamarind
18. Manila tamarind
While the Pithecellobium dulce has pods that closely resemble tamarind, they actually peel away easily. The edible flesh is then separated and eaten on its own or prepared in dishes. Also known as manila tamarind, it has a spiny tree that can grow up to 20 m tall.
Pearl millet
19. Pearl millet
An important subsistence crop, pearl millet is hardy and drought-tolerant. Also known as Cenchrus americanus, it grows well near deserts where the rainfall is low. It has been cultivated in the United States since the 1850s and there are records of this important crop being grown since 2000 B.C.
Common passionfruit
20. Common passionfruit
Common passionfruit (Passiflora edulis) is a vine species that produce fruit and is native to Brazil and Paraguay. It is useful for its edible fruit, which is sweet and eaten raw or juiced. Its flowers are showy too.
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More Plants in Tanzania

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Most Common Toxic Plants

Tanzania's diverse ecosystems, ranging from tropical rainforests to savannas, create a hospitable milieu for various flora, including toxic species. Factors such as climate variability, ecological niches, and evolutionary pressures have supported the prevalence of poisonous vegetation. Notably, , , and contribute to the spectrum of toxic plants found in the region, posing potential risks to both humans and wildlife.

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Most Common Flowers

Tanzania, known for its diverse habitats, has a climate and soil conducive to the growth of various native flowers. The region's rich biodiversity provides a thriving environment for , , and to bloom resplendently. These flowers not only showcase visual beauty but also hold cultural and ecological importance. However, further research from trustworthy sources is needed to explore the specifics of each flower and their significance in Tanzania's ecosystem.

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Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Spring dawns in Tanzania, the land bursts into life, with warmer climes and gentle rains nurturing a multicolored canvas of flora. Among the season's first heralds are the vibrant , the symbolically rich , and the vital, pollen-rich . These blooms not only mark the season's commencement but also play a crucial role in the local ecosystem, bringing with them a period of renewal and growth.

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Most Common Spring Fruits

Spring in Tanzania is a season of moderate rainfall and warm temperatures, a time when the land is imbued with vitality. This conducive climate encourages the ripening of diverse fruit plants. Among them, reaches plump perfection, becomes juicy and ready for harvest, while bursts into ripe sweetness. These fruits not only mark the season's essence but are also a vital source of nutrition and joy for the local communities.

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Most Common Fruits

Tanzania's tropical climate, fertile soils, and consistent rainfall create an ideal environment for cultivating a variety of local fruit plants. Native flora like , , and thrive here, deeply rooted in Tanzanian culinary traditions and cultural practices. These plants not only contribute to the country's food diversity but also play a significant role in the local economy, nourishing communities and sustaining livelihoods.

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Most Common Trees

Tanzania's diverse climate and varied soil conditions provide a favorable environment for a range of native trees. Among the emblematic trees found in this region are , , and . Each of these trees holds significant cultural and ecological value within Tanzania. They contribute to the country's rich biodiversity and ecosystem health, while also playing a vital role in local traditions and practices.

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Most Common Weeds

Tanzania's warm climate and seasonal rains create a hospitable environment for various garden weeds. The most common ones that vex gardeners include , , and , which spread rapidly and often compete with crops for nutrients and space. These prolific invaders challenge both small-scale garden landscapes and larger agricultural settings, requiring regular and mindful weed management practices to maintain plant health and soil integrity.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Tanzania's lush landscapes, kissed by equatorial rainfalls and interspersed with montane regions, are nature's skyscrapers nurturing grounds. Among these, , , and stand as verdant giants, piercing the canopy and pointing towards the heavens. These architectural wonders of nature hold ecological and historical significance, embodying the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of the land. The towering trees of Tanzania are testament to the perfect harmony of climate and terrain that seeds such colossal growth.

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Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Tanzania may seem cold and harsh, but amidst the frosty environment, certain flowers bravely bloom. Among them are , , and . These resilient blooms showcase their beauty and symbolic depth, thriving in the serene cold of Winter.

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