Top 20 Most Common Flowering Plants in Mali

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Top 20 Most Common Flowering Plants in Mali

Mali's diverse climate and fertile soil provide the perfect conditions for a variety of native flowers to flourish. Among them, Apple of Sodom, Baobab, and Coffee senna stand out as the most characteristic blossoms. These flowers not only add to the visual beauty of the region, but also hold great symbolic and ecological importance. Trustworthy sources confirm the abundance of these unique blooms in Mali, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and floral enthusiasts alike.

Most Common Flower Plants

Apple of Sodom

1. 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.

Spring, Summer, Fall

Baobab

Baobab (Adansonia digitata) is indigenous to Africa, Australia, Madagascar, and the Arabian Peninsula. It thrives in areas that are dry and hot. It lives longer than virtually all other living things, and there are specimens alive today that are 3,000 years old or more. It has a large, water-filled trunk that is 28 m or more in circumference.

Kapok tree

Kapok tree (Ceiba pentandra) is a rain forest plant that can shoot up to as much as 61 m. It towers over every other plant in its native habitat. The trunk can get as wide as 3 m in diameter. Its nooks and crannies are hosts to a staggering array of both plant and animal species, including birds and frogs.

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Coffee senna

4. Coffee senna

Coffee senna (*Senna occidentalis*) is a perennial shrub that prefers warm and humid environments. It is sometimes considered an invasive weed that grows in open woodlands, waste areas, and roadsides. It blooms in spring with yellow flowers, followed by brown fruit in late summer and early fall. Seeds can be used as a coffee substitute, although it does not contain caffeine.

Late spring, Summer, Early fall

Aroma

Aroma (Dichrostachys cinerea) is a legume species as known as sicklebush, Bell mimosa, Chinese lantern tree and Kalahari Christmas tree. Aroma is native to Africa, the Indian subcontinent and North Australia. This species is a serious invasive species problem in Cuba.

Coatbuttons

Coatbuttons is native to the tropical Americas and has become an invasive weed around the world. It produces arrowhead-shaped yellow or white flowers and hard fruit covered with stiff hairs. This plant is regarded as invasive because it produces up to 1,500 of these hard fruits per plant and spreads easily, outcompeting native vegetation.

Spring, Early summer, Mid summer

Okra

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a nutritious, edible vegetable that contains folate, vitamins, and antioxidants. Okra is native to Ethiopia, but now grows commonly throughout the world. Okra is commonly prepared by frying, stewing, roasting, and grilling.

Late spring, Summer, Early fall

White egyptian lotus

8. White egyptian lotus

White egyptian lotus, with its bright white flowers and wide lily pads, is a common sight in ornamental garden ponds. The flowers open at night and stay open until well into the next day. The plant flowers for the whole summer too. The plant grows through rhizomes and it can survive long periods of drought and grow again when ponds refill.

Water hyacinth

9. Water hyacinth

Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is a fast-growing flowering plant species with ovular, waxy leaves. Water hyacinth is listed as a federal noxious weed in the United States. This species is invasive to ponds, lakes, rivers and other wetland habitats. It forms dense, floating mats of vegetation that restricts light to underwater environments.

African sausage tree

10. African sausage tree

African sausage tree (*Kigelia africana*) is a plant indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa. In Afrikaans, it's called “kalabasboom,” “en komkommerboom,” and “worsboom.” It bears fruit that can weigh several kilograms and looks like sausages. This fruit is so hefty that it can cause lots of damage when it falls off the tree.

Dwarf morning glory

11. Dwarf morning glory

Dwarf morning glory is native to tropical regions of Australia, Polynesia, and Africa, and whose blue flowers bloom year-round. Burning the leaves produces a fragrant smoke that is used as incense. In Kerala, India, dwarf morning glory is a sacred plant.

Crown of thorns

12. 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.

Woman's tongue

13. Woman's tongue

Woman's tongue (Albizia lebbeck) is a deciduous tree that can grow to 30 m tall. It has a rounded canopy and gray, rough, cork-like bark. Blooms in spring with greenish yellow flowers. Produces long hanging seed pods. Invades pine lands and hammocks, disrupting the natural flora and fauna. The wood is naturally termite resistant and is often used in furniture making.

Late spring, Summer, Early fall

Water spinach

14. Water spinach

The Ipomoea aquatica, also known as water spinach, is an herbaceous trailing vine grown in Asia for its edible roots and shoots, which are used in stir-fry and other dishes. It blooms in the summer with showy, bell-shaped flowers that appear solitary or in clusters. The plant can become an ecological threat as it forms dense floating mats over the water surface that shade out native plants, depriving them of sunlight and oxygen.

Royal poinciana

15. 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.

Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer

Desert rose

16. Desert rose

Desert rose is widely cultivated as a houseplant or as bonsai for its beautiful flowers. As a succulent plant originating from the Sahara and tropical Africa and Arabia, it requires a minimum temperature of 10 ℃ to survive. Its sap was used to poisoning arrows in Africa.

Spring, Early summer, Late winter

True indigo

17. True indigo

Since it has been cultivated for centuries, the native habitat of true indigo is not known. This shrub can be annual, biennial, or perennial depending on the climate where it's grown. True indigo has a long history of commercial use as a cash crop - it was a source of dark blue (indigo) dye before alternative synthetics were developed.

Summer, Early fall

White leadtree

18. 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.

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

Shining bird of paradise

19. Shining bird of paradise

Shining bird of paradise (Heliconia metallica) is an evergreen soft-wooded perennial named for its large, exotic flowers that resemble a bird’s beak. Blooms from spring into summer. Requires rich, moist soil and should not be allowed to dry out between watering. Grows best in full sun or bright light.

Golden dewdrops

20. 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

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More Plants in Mali

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Most Common Toxic Plants

Mali's diverse environments, from the Saharan north to the Savannah south, provide variable conditions that could sustain an array of flora, including toxic plants. Factors like temperature fluctuations, rainfall patterns, and soil diversity can contribute to the prevalence of noxious vegetation. While some regions may support the growth of , others might favor or , raising concerns about the potential risks to humans, livestock, and wildlife. The vigilance for such species is necessary for managing their impact.

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Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Mali welcomes Spring, the land awakes to milder temperatures and life-giving rains, setting the stage for its unique flora to thrive. Signature flowers like , , and begin to unfurl their petals. The vibrant symbolizes new beginnings, while the fragrant invites pollinators to its blossoms, crucial for local ecosystems. The rare adds a splash of color, celebrating the season's exuberance and diversity.

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Most Common Spring Fruits

In Mali, Spring breathes life into the arid landscape, showering it with rains that infuse the soil with vitality necessary for fruit cultivation. This season is marked by the blossoming of , , and , whose ripe offerings are eagerly awaited. Not only do they bring the promise of fresh, flavorful sustenance, but they also play a crucial role in local diets and economies, symbolizing the renewal and abundance of the season.

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Most Common Fruits

Mali's hot, dry climate and fertile alluvial soil along the Niger and Senegal rivers provide an ideal environment for cultivating local fruit plants. Among these, , , and stand out not only for their agronomic adaptability but also for their cultural resonance within the region, forming part of the local diet and traditional practices. These fruit plants hold a special place in Mali's societal customs, representing a blend of economic sustenance and heritage.

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Most Common Trees

Mali, with its dry and arid climate, is home to several resilient native trees that have adapted to the challenging conditions. Three emblematic trees in this region include , , and . These trees play a crucial role in the ecological balance and cultural heritage of Mali. They provide shade, shelter for wildlife, and contribute to soil fertility. Their importance in local folklore and traditional practices demonstrates the deep cultural connection between the people of Mali and their natural environment.

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Most Common Weeds

In the warm, sub-Saharan climate of Mali, garden weeds flourish under the sun-drenched skies and in the sporadically moist soils. Among the most common interlopers in gardens and landscapes, , , and have emerged as prevalent, demanding continual management. These weeds thrive, challenging gardeners as they vie with crops for nutrients and space, thus necessitating strategic control measures to maintain plant health and biodiversity.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Mali's diverse ecosystem, ranging from arid deserts to fertile grasslands, harbors conditions conducive to some remarkable arboreals. Amid this setting rise the monolithic , , and , trees of such scale they seemingly pierce the firmament. These botanical beacons play pivotal roles in both the environment and cultural heritage, standing as silent, steadfast giants that embody the resilience and permanence of the natural world.

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Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Mali offers a serene and cold ambiance, serving as a surprising haven for certain flowers. Among the blooms that brave the chill are , , and . These resilient and beautiful flowers add a touch of color and symbolism to the frosty environment, showcasing nature's ability to thrive even in the harshest conditions.

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Most Common Plants

In Mali, you can find Pearl millet, Grain sorghum, African rice, Apple of Sodom, Pterocarpus santalinoides, 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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