African Plant Research & Conservation Centre

African Plant Research & Conservation Centre Action on Research, Propagation (of Indigenous Trees), Conservation and Consultation. Location: 3B Muteero Ridge Muteero estate Karen
Phone: 0791172585
(1)

Silver Oak Mazingira Hub is a youth-oriented community-based organization based in the Elijah Wambugu Close, Muteero Area of Nairobi, and was started in July 2021 by university students to steer ecosystem restoration in the area and impact miles away. Our main objective is to initiate and implement the idea of ecosystem restoration through our principles of Action on Research, Propagation (of Indigenous Trees), Conservation, and Consultation. REG NO: DSD/47/277/02/4128

03/08/2026

Combretum molle, commonly known as the Velvety Bushwillow, is one of Kenya's most culturally significant indigenous trees. It is known as Muama among the Kamba, Murema in Kikuyu, Kemeliet among the Kipsigis, Omoraa in Kisii, Keyo in Dholuo, Olmaroroi or Emaroroi among the Maasai, and Murama among the Meru and Tharaka.

The influence of this tree extends far beyond the forest. Among the Kisii, some girls named Moraa derive their name from this tree, while Omoraa is also the name of a place. In Maasailand, Maroroi in Kajiado takes its name from the Maasai name of the tree. In Nairobi, Mirema Drive in Roysambu is named after the Kikuyu name Murema, and Murema Primary School in Kasarani also bears its name.

Velvety Bushwillow is a remarkably resilient species. It tolerates both forest and grass fires and is commonly found growing in groups on stony hills between 150 and 2,300 metres above sea level.

Its wood is naturally resistant to termites and burns slowly, producing intense heat, making it a highly valued source of firewood and durable timber for rural communities.

Traditionally, the broad leaves have also been used as natural toilet paper, demonstrating once again how indigenous trees have supported communities in practical ways for generations.

Combretum molle reminds us that some trees do more than shape landscapes. They shape languages, place names, and even people's names, becoming part of the identity and history of the communities that live alongside them.









03/08/2026

Celtis africana, commonly known as White Stinkwood, is one of Kenya's most adaptable indigenous shade trees. It is known as Murundu among the Kikuyu and Meru, Chepkeleliet or Nyasiat among the Kipsigis, Mwemya or Mweyu among the Luhya, Omoyia in Kisii, Olmositet among the Maasai, Mase among the Ogiek, Mastet, Mastitet or Mosiddiet among the Sabaot, and Musisietet, Tandimu or Tandimwo among the Tugen.

White Stinkwood grows in an impressive range of habitats, from dry rocky hillsides to moist evergreen forests and riverine woodlands. It is most common in high-rainfall areas between 1,150 and 2,400 metres above sea level, especially in the Rift Valley and Central Kenya. In drier regions, it is usually found growing along rivers.

One of the reasons this tree is popular in agroforestry is that it provides light shade, allowing crops beneath it to continue growing without heavy competition. Its leaves are also browsed by livestock, while both the leaves and fruits are an important food source for colobus monkeys and other wildlife.

Although the timber tends to split and rot if not properly seasoned, it is remarkably strong. Once well seasoned, it is suitable for making tool handles and for construction work.

Because of its attractive canopy and adaptability, Celtis africana is an excellent tree for parks, compounds, roadsides, and avenues. It is one of those indigenous species that combines beauty, wildlife value, and practical uses in a single tree.

Kenya is also home to other members of the Celtis genus. One of them is Celtis mildbraedii, known as Shunza among the Luhya and Muruyanje among the Meru, which is found in moist evergreen forests.









02/08/2026

Ensete ventricosum, commonly known as the Wild Banana, is one of Africa's most remarkable indigenous plants. It is known as Ikulutu among the Kamba, Ihindu in Kikuyu, Sasuriet among the Kipsigis and Nandi, Getembe in Kisii, Olmusala among the Maasai, Sosurwa in Marakwet, Gikobo or Mukoko in Meru, and Isengeru among the Taita.

In Kenya, Wild Banana grows naturally in highland areas such as Loita, Saiwa Swamp, the Kericho Highlands, Kasigau Hill, and the Kilungu Hills. It is commonly found in wet upland valleys, ravines, and along streams in forests on lower mountain slopes between 1,000 and 2,400 metres above sea level.

Unlike the cultivated banana, Ensete ventricosum flowers and fruits only once. After producing seeds, the entire plant dies back, completing its life cycle.

The plant has many traditional uses. Its large leaves produce durable thatching material, while the strong fibres from the leaf midrib are used to make ropes and sacking. The seeds are also used to make decorative strings, and because of its striking appearance, Wild Banana is widely planted as an ornamental in homes, parks, and urban landscapes.

One fascinating feature of the species is its pollination. The large flowers are commonly pollinated by bats, which transfer the sticky pollen as they move from plant to plant.

Beyond Kenya, Ensete ventricosum has shaped the history of Ethiopia. It has been cultivated there for thousands of years, and Ethiopia remains the only country where its domesticated form is grown as a staple crop. A starchy food is produced from the pseudostem, corm, and flowering stems. After fermentation in underground pits, it is processed into pancakes, bread, and porridge, providing a staple food for approximately 20 million people.

Wild Banana reminds us that indigenous plants are not just part of our forests. They are part of Africa's history, culture, food systems, and future.









01/08/2026

This Is One of Kenya's Most Consequential Indigenous Plants

Tetradenia riparia is one of the most remarkable indigenous shrubs found in Kenya. It is known as Kyoo ya Kyovai among the Kamba, Okita lang'o in Dholuo, Oring-laglades among the Maasai, Lonwa in Marakwet, Lonuo among the Pokot, Ngeliot in Samburu, and Omorako in Ekegusii.

The plant is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers are produced on separate plants. When in bloom, it produces masses of tiny mauve, pink to white flowers arranged in large, dense, much-branched flower heads that can reach 30 centimetres in length. These flowers are highly attractive and make the plant a beautiful addition to the landscape.

Its leaves have a distinctive, strong smell that is immediately recognizable.

Among the Maasai, the aromatic leaves are traditionally used as an additive when preparing meat. They are also added to raw blood to enhance its flavour, reflecting the plant's long-standing role in traditional food preparation.

Beyond its cultural importance, Tetradenia riparia is an excellent plant for controlling soil erosion. Its vigorous growth and extensive root system help stabilize the soil, making it useful on slopes and along riverbanks.

Among the Kisii, the warmed leaves have traditionally been applied externally as part of cultural practices associated with comforting sore or strained joints, including the knees.

Among the Pokot, crushed leaves have also been used traditionally in local eye-care practices, illustrating the rich ethnobotanical knowledge associated with this species.

Tetradenia riparia reminds us that many indigenous plants are valued not only for their ecological role but also for the cultural knowledge they carry from one generation to the next. Conserving these plants also means preserving the traditions and stories that have always grown alongside them.









30/07/2026

Why Grewia bicolor Is One of the Most Valuable Trees in Kenya's Drylands

In the arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya, few indigenous trees are as useful as Grewia bicolor.

Known as Mbu or Ngalava in Kamba, Harowessa in Boran, and Ositet among the Maasai, this hardy tree has supported both people and livestock for generations.

Among the many species of Grewia found in Kenya, Grewia bicolor is regarded as one of the most important in dry areas because it provides both nutritious fruits for people and reliable fodder for livestock, even when other vegetation has dried up.

The fruits are eaten fresh, but they can also be pounded, dried, and stored for use during periods of food scarcity. Among the Turkana, the dried fruit is traditionally eaten together with fat to help prevent constipation.

The tree also has important cultural value. Among the Kamba, its twigs are traditionally used by water diviners, while among the Maasai, the hard, strong wood is used to make clubs and spears because of its durability.

Its ability to survive harsh conditions, provide food, support livestock, and supply durable wood makes Grewia bicolor one of the most valuable indigenous species for dryland farming and landscape restoration.

As Kenya continues to promote climate-resilient agriculture, trees like Grewia bicolor deserve far greater recognition and wider planting across our arid and semi-arid lands.









29/07/2026

Why Desert Date Is One of the Most Valuable Trees for Dryland Communities

When drought strikes, many fruit trees fail to produce.

Desert Date (Balanites aegyptiaca) is different.

Known as Othoo in Dholuo, Ilokwa (fruit), Oln'goswa or Olokwai in Maasai, and Mulului or Ndului (fruit) in Kamba, this remarkable indigenous tree continues to produce fruits even during very dry years. That is why it has remained one of the most important trees for communities living in Kenya's arid and semi-arid lands.

The tree is far more than a source of fruit.

Among the Pokot, Turkana, Tugen, Marakwet, Keiyo, and Ilchamus, the young leaves and tender shoots are cooked and eaten as a vegetable. Among the Pokot, Tugen, and Marakwet, the seeds are boiled for two to three hours before the bean-like kernels are eaten. The Maasai eat the edible gum, while in other parts of Africa the seeds are processed to produce oil.

Its wood is equally valuable. It is hard, durable, termite-resistant, and easy to work, making it ideal for yokes, wooden spoons, pestles, mortars, tool handles, stools, combs, and even traditional boards used for teaching the Quran.

The tree also provides materials for traditional technology. Among the Pokot and Turkana, resin from the stem is used to attach feathers to arrow shafts. The Pokot, Maasai, Turkana, and Kipsigis use the resin to fix spearheads onto shafts, while the Pokot and Turkana also use it to repair cracks in tool handles, arrows, and other wooden implements.

Few indigenous trees are as versatile as Desert Date. It provides food during drought, useful timber, oil, edible gum, and valuable raw materials that have supported communities across Africa's drylands for generations.

As climate change continues to affect dryland agriculture, Balanites aegyptiaca deserves far greater attention in restoration programmes, agroforestry, and indigenous fruit farming.









27/07/2026

Plant These 13 Indigenous Hardwood Trees Today. Build Wealth for Future Generations.

Most people think of tree planting as an environmental activity.

It can also be one of the best long-term investments you make.

Unlike many crops that are harvested every season, indigenous hardwood trees continue increasing in value as they grow. Well-managed trees can become a valuable asset for your family, while also providing shade, restoring biodiversity, storing carbon, and protecting the land.

Here are 13 indigenous hardwood species worth considering:

- Meru Oak – KES 500
- Mvule – KES 500
- East African Sandalwood – KES 1,000
- Camphor – KES 1,000
- East African Mahogany – KES 500
- Silver Oak – KES 500
- Elgon Teak – KES 500
- Premna maxima – KES 500
- Maytenus undata – KES 300
- Forest Ironwood – KES 500
- African Pencil Cedar – KES 500
- African Blackwood – KES 500
- Brown Ivory – KES 500

Total investment: KES 7,300

Think about it this way. A one-time investment of KES 7,300 gives you a collection of some of East Africa's most valuable indigenous timber species. Over the years, these trees continue growing while requiring relatively little maintenance compared to many other investments.

Some, such as African Blackwood, East African Sandalwood, Mvule, Meru Oak, and East African Mahogany, are already highly valued for their timber and specialty wood products. As quality hardwood becomes scarcer, responsibly grown indigenous timber is likely to become even more valuable.

You don't have to plant thousands of trees to start building wealth.

Even planting one of each species today could become a valuable legacy for your children and grandchildren, while at the same time helping conserve Kenya's indigenous tree heritage.

The best time to plant these trees was years ago.

The next best time is this rainy season.









26/07/2026

If you're looking for a fast-growing indigenous fruit tree that provides both delicious fruits and excellent shade, Syzygium cordatum and Syzygium guineense should be high on your list.

Commonly known as Zambarau, these two indigenous species are found across many parts of Kenya, where they naturally grow along rivers, wetlands, forests, and woodlands.

Both trees are valued for their rapid growth and broad canopies, making them ideal shade trees for homes, schools, farms, and public spaces. Their dense crowns create cool environments while supporting birds, bees, and many other forms of wildlife.

When the fruits ripen, they develop attractive purple colours and are enjoyed by both people and wildlife. They can be eaten fresh or processed into juice, jam, wine, and other value-added products, yet they remain among Kenya's underutilised indigenous fruits.

Beyond their fruits, Syzygium cordatum and Syzygium guineense are excellent trees for restoring riparian areas and degraded landscapes. Their extensive root systems help stabilize soils, while their flowers provide an important source of nectar for bees.

As Kenya promotes tree planting, indigenous fruit trees like Zambarau deserve far more attention. They grow quickly, provide shade, produce edible fruits, support biodiversity, and help restore our landscapes, all while being naturally adapted to our environment.

Sometimes the best trees to plant are the ones that have always belonged here.





25/07/2026

Mutundu Is One of Kenya's Most Useful Indigenous Trees

Croton sylvaticus, commonly known as Mutundu among the Kamba, Embu, Meru, and Kikuyu communities, and Msudu among the Luhya, is a fast-growing indigenous tree that naturally occurs in many of Kenya's forests and woodlands.

It is often one of the first trees to establish itself in disturbed areas, making it an important pioneer species in natural forest regeneration. As it grows, it creates shade and improves conditions for slower-growing indigenous trees to become established.

Mutundu is also an excellent tree for restoring degraded landscapes. Its rapid growth provides early canopy cover, helping to reduce soil erosion, conserve moisture, and improve soil health through the continuous addition of leaf litter.

When in flower, Croton sylvaticus is highly attractive to bees and other pollinators, making it a valuable species for beekeepers. Its fruits are also eaten by birds, which help disperse the seeds and contribute to the natural regeneration of forests.

Because it grows quickly and establishes easily, Mutundu is a suitable choice for schools, farms, riparian restoration, and indigenous tree planting projects where fast shade and ecological recovery are needed.

Although it is common in many areas, Croton sylvaticus deserves to be planted more widely for the many ecological benefits it provides. Sometimes, the trees that restore our forests the fastest are the ones we pay the least attention to.









24/07/2026

This Indigenous Fruit Tree Has Already Disappeared From Parts of Kenya

Uvariodendron anisatum is one of Kenya's little-known indigenous fruit trees, but today it is classified as Vulnerable (VU) to extinction due to continued habitat loss.

It naturally grows in dry forests and woodlands between 1,100 and 1,800 metres above sea level, and is found in Meru, Embu, Tharaka, and Makueni.

Sadly, populations that once occurred in Thika and Kiambu are now considered extinct, a reminder of how quickly indigenous plant species can disappear when their habitats are cleared.

The tree produces edible indigenous fruits that are enjoyed by wildlife and contribute to the diversity of Kenya's native food plants. Like many indigenous fruit trees, it also plays an important ecological role by supporting forest biodiversity and providing food for animals that help disperse its seeds.

Its decline has been driven largely by the loss and fragmentation of its natural habitat as forests and woodlands are converted to agriculture, settlements, and other developments.

The disappearance of Uvariodendron anisatum from Thika and Kiambu should serve as a warning. If we do not protect the remaining populations and encourage propagation of this species, more counties could lose it forever.

Conserving indigenous fruit trees is not just about saving biodiversity. It is about protecting Kenya's unique natural heritage and ensuring that future generations inherit the remarkable plant species that belong to this landscape.









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3B Muteero Ridge
Karen
00502

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