Top 20 Most Common Flowering Plants in Kenya

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Top 20 Most Common Flowering Plants in Kenya

Kenya boasts a diverse climate and fertile soil, providing an ideal habitat for a variety of native flowers. Among these are the enchanting Common lantana, Golden dewdrops, and Silky oak. 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.

Most Common Flower 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.

Mid spring, Late spring, Summer, Early fall, Mid fall

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.

Spring, Summer, Fall

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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.

Mexican sunflower

6. 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.

Early spring, Late summer, Fall, Winter

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.

Yellow oleander

8. 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.

Summer, Early fall

African senna

9. 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.

Late spring, Summer, Fall

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.

Summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Indian shot

11. Indian shot

Despite its name, indian shot is a flowering perennial plant native to Central and South America. It has been naturalized in other parts of the world and has become a popular garden plant known for its large decorative leaves, fiery red blooms, and ease of cultivation. It is a traditional minor food for indigenous peoples of the Americas.

Summer, Early fall

Century plant

12. Century plant

The century plant, contrary to its name, only lives about 20 -30 years. The name comes from the fact that it only blooms once during its entire life. Near the end of its lifespan, the century plant sprouts a large stalk that can reach 9 m high and unveils yellow flowers. Most parts of the plant are useful; the tough leaf fibers can be woven into mats or ropes, and the moisture-laden contents are used to create various alcohols.

Oleander

Nerium oleander, colloquially known as oleander, is a shrub or a small tree, known for its majestic pink five-lobed flowers and deep green lanceolate leaves. Oleander is one of the most poisonous popular decorative garden plants, so it is advised to keep small children and pets away from it.

Purple heart

14. Purple heart

Tradescantia pallida is an evergreen perennial trailing plant, colloquially known as purple heart. This beautiful perennial is famous for its spectacular deep purple, pointed leaves. Purple heart is a common houseplant, but it is also often used in landscaping as a bedding plant.

Foxtail agave

15. Foxtail agave

Foxtail agave (Agave attenuata) is an agave species native to the State of Jalisco in central Mexico. Foxtail agave is a popular ornamental species in gardens in subtropical climates. This species grows best in loamy soil protected from direct sunlight. This species may die if it is exposed to prolonged periods of frost.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a herb with pale flowers and evergreen leaves. It gives off a distinctive scent and is used in cooking as well as in the making of scented perfumes, soaps, and candles. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean region where evidence of its use by humans dates back at least 7000 years.

Late spring, Summer, Fall

Common passionfruit

17. 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.

Spring, Summer, Fall

Red frangipani

18. Red frangipani

Red frangipani (Plumeria rubra) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to Central and South America. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical climates. All parts of the plant are toxic when ingested due to their high alkaloid content.

Spring, Summer, Fall

Octopus tree

19. Octopus tree

The octopus tree is a large evergreen tree known for its distinctive drooping leaves. These leaves have earned it the nicknames "octopus tree" and "Australian umbrella tree." It is native to the Queensland area of Australia. Its root system is aggressive, however, so it can become invasive and choke out other species.

Crown of thorns

20. Crown of thorns

The Euphorbia milii is commonly known as the crown of thorns or Christ thorn, as it is believed to the plant associated with the crown of thorns that was worn by Christ. It needs to stay above 10 ℃ with full sun.

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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 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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Most Common Plants

In Kenya, you can find Common lantana, Golden dewdrops, Chinese hibiscus, Silky oak, Madagascar periwinkle, and more! There are 50 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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