Top 20 Most Common Trees in Kilifi

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Top 20 Most Common Trees in Kilifi

Kilifi, Kenya's unique climatic conditions and soil composition create an ideal environment for the growth of native trees. Three notable trees in this region include Royal poinciana, Giant fishtail palm, and Sea hibiscus. These trees hold great symbolic, cultural, and ecological significance within the state. Maintaining accuracy, this summary highlights the standout local trees that anchor themselves in the land of Kilifi, Kenya.

Most Common Trees

Royal poinciana

1. 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.

Giant fishtail palm

2. Giant fishtail palm

The giant fishtail palm is a monocarpic flowering plant. This plant flowers only once after ten years, and then it dies. Its seed and trunk flesh is toxic to the touch and should be handled with caution. Because this palm can reach 20 meters or more in height, it is considered a tree.

Rubber tree

Rubber tree (Ficus elastica) is a large tree with wide, oval, glossy leaves. Its milky white latex was used for making rubber before Pará rubber tree came into use, hence the name. Rubber tree is an ornamental species, often grown as a houseplant in cooler climates.

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Sea hibiscus

4. Sea hibiscus

Sea hibiscus (Talipariti tiliaceum) is a flowering plant species commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant. The flowers of sea hibiscus are bright yellow with a red center. As the blossoms age, the flowers turn to a darker orange before falling off the plant.

Geiger Tree

Geiger Tree (Cordia sebestena) is an evergreen tropical tree whose stiff, dark green leaves have a rough, sandpaper-like texture. It produces clusters of dark orange flowers, most in spring and summer, followed by edible fruit. It grows in sandy, salty, dry soil and does well in warm, coastal regions.

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.

Yellow oleander

7. 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

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.

Lemon-scented gum

9. Lemon-scented gum

Lemon-scented gum (*Corymbia citriodora*) is a very tall species of tree native to northern and eastern Australia. The essential oil produced from the plant is enjoyed for its scent and is also incorporated into insect repellents. King's Park in Perth, Australia features perhaps the most famous stand of lemon-scented gum trees.

Apple of Sodom

10. 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.

Papaya

Papaya is a fruit-bearing plant that originates from Central America. The fruits are edible and sweet and juicy when ripe. An enzyme collected from the milky sap is used as a meat softener, which if ingested may be toxic. Keeping a papaya plant in your garden will welcome many birds to your landscape.

Corn plant

Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) is an evergreen, slow-growing perennial shrub native to tropical Africa. Also, it is a classic houseplant, grown in Europe since the 1800s. Its glossy green foliage that resembles corn leaves grow on top of a thick cane, which is why the plant is sometimes called “false palm tree.”

Loquat

The loquat is an evergreen tree that bears delicious fruit, which shares its name. Its origins lie in China, but the tree has since been introduced to a variety of locations across Asia, Southern Europe, and North America. The fruit is generally eaten raw, mixed into fruit salads, or turned into jam. The seeds, however, should not be eaten. In Italy, loquat is used to make nespolino liqueur.

Orchid tree

14. Orchid tree

Orchid tree (Bauhinia variegata) is a partially deciduous shrub-like tree that can grow from 6 to 8 m tall. Large fragrant flowers resembling orchids blossom from winter to spring. The colors of the flowers range from orchid purple to light pink all in the same blossom. A fast-growing tree that blooms best in full sun makes a spectacular street tree when grown in warm climates.

Red frangipani

15. 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.

Norfolk island pine

16. Norfolk island pine

Norfolk island pine (Araucaria heterophylla) is a conifer tree native to Norfolk Island, a small island in the Pacific Islands. Now, it is a popular houseplant all around the world. However, norfolk island pine is in danger of dying out in the wild.

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.

Southern magnolia

18. Southern magnolia

A showpiece of the southern United States is the southern magnolia. This tree is known by its dark green oval leaves that are leathery in feel and its beautiful waxy flowers. The southern magnolia blooms are thought to symbolize dignity and nobility. White versions of the flower are commonly used in bridal bouquets to denote purity.

Moringa

Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is a fast-growing, deciduous tree that can reach impressive heights. In its native country of India, the moringa is popularly cultivated and harvested for its fruit and leaves. These components of the tree are then used as a source of food and oil extracted from the tree can be incorporated into cosmetics.

Pomegranate

20. Pomegranate

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a deciduous shrub or small tree, native to western and southern parts of Asia. It has a long history of cultivation and rich symbolism in polytheistic religions. Fruits of pomegranate play an important role in many West Asian cuisines. Aside from culinary uses, this fruit-bearing shrub is also cultivated for ornamental purposes.

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More Plants in Kilifi

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Most Common Flowers

Kilifi, Kenya boasts diverse landscapes that provide the perfect conditions for a variety of native flowers to flourish. The state's distinct climatic and soil dynamics synergize with the proliferation of these plants. Among the standout blossoms are , , and . These flowers are not only aesthetically alluring but also hold cultural and ecological significance within the state. Reliable sources ensure the accuracy of this information.

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Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Kilifi, Kenya, reveals its icy embrace, yet it nurtures unique blossoms that defy the odds. Among these resilient flowers are , , and . These winter bloomers showcase their tenacity, allure, and emblematic significance, embodying the beauty and strength of this state even in its coldest months.

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Most Common Plants

In Kilifi, you can find Common coconut palm, Wax mallow, Royal poinciana, Shortleaf Spikesedge, Giant fishtail palm, 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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