Kenya

Scientific Name Family Common Names Location Origin Products Ecological Services Niche General Attributes Switchboard
Euphorbia pulcherrima Euphorbiaceae English: Poinsettias




Laikipia Exotic Medicine Ecological services:
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Growth rate: unknown
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: Pruning
Leafing Phenology: Deciduous or semi-evergreen
Euphorbia pulcherrima
Euphorbia tirucalli Euphorbiaceae English: Indian tree spurge
Kikuyu: Kariaria
Kamba: Ndau
Maasai: Oloile

Makueni, Laikipia Native Firewood, Medicine, Income Ecological services: Shade
Scatterd in homestead Growth rate: unknown
Invasiveness: unknown
Mgt practices: unknown
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Euphorbia tirucalli
Ficus benjamina Moraceae English: Weeping Fig/Java fig




Makueni Exotic Firewood Ecological services: Shade, Wind break
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Live fence, Scattered in cropland, Scatterd in homestead, Homestead boundary/live fence, Along soil conservation structures Growth rate: Medium
Invasiveness: Weedy
Mgt practices: Coppicing,Pruning
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Ficus benjamina
Ficus elastica Moraceae English: India rubber plant




Makueni Exotic Fruits Ecological services: Shade
Cultural uses: Ornamental , Cultural uses: Ceremomial
Scatterd in homestead Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: Yes
Mgt practices: Pollarding
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Ficus elastica
Ficus natalensis Moraceae English: Bark-cloth fig, natal fig




Laikipia Native Firewood, Timber for furniture, Household tools, Medicine, Fodder, Fibre, Income Ecological services: Shade, Soil erosion control, Soil fertility improvement through nitrogen-fixing, Soil fertility improvement through mulch/ leaves
Live fence, Cropland boundary, Scattered in cropland, Scatterd in homestead, Homestead boundary/live fence, Along soil conservation structures Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: Coppicing
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen or shortly deciduous
Ficus natalensis
Ficus sur/Ficus capensis Moraceae English: Cape fig
Kikuyu: Mukuyu
Kamba: Mukuyu
Maasai: Orng'aboli
Samburu: Lng'aboli
Laikipia Native Fruits, Other Foods (including nuts), young leaves, shoots, bark, roots, Firewood, Farm tools, Household tools, Medicine, Tannins/Dyestuff, Gums/Resins Ecological services: Shade
Cultural uses: Ceremomial
Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: unknown
Mgt practices: Coppicing, pollarding, lopping
Leafing Phenology: Semi-deciduous
Ficus sur/Ficus capensis
Ficus sycomorus Moraceae  English: Sycamore fig
Kikuyu: Mukuyu/Nguyu
Kamba: Mukuyu
Maasai: Olng'aboli
Samburu: Lngaboli
Kiambu, Makueni, Laikipia Native Fruits, Firewood, Medicine, Fodder, Fibre Ecological services: Shade
Cultural uses: Ornamental , Cultural uses: Ceremomial
Scattered in cropland, Scatterd in homestead Growth rate: Fairly fast
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: Spacing,Pruning,Lopping
Leafing Phenology: Deciduous to Semi-Deciduous
Ficus sycomorus
Ficus sycomorus Moraceae  English: Sycamore fig
Kikuyu: Mukuyu/Nguyu
Kamba: Mukuyu
Maasai: Olng'aboli
Samburu: Lngaboli
Kiambu, Makueni, Laikipia Native Fruits, Firewood, Medicine, Fodder, Fibre Ecological services: Shade
Cultural uses: Ornamental , Cultural uses: Ceremomial
Scattered in cropland, Scatterd in homestead Growth rate: unknown
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: Plant widely spaced
Leafing Phenology: unknown
Ficus sycomorus
Ficus thonningii Moraceae English: The Strangler Fig
Kikuyu: Mugumo
Kamba: Kiumo
Maasai: Oreteti
Samburu: Reteti/Labuli
Makueni, Laikipia Native Timber for construction, Fodder Ecological services: Shade, Soil erosion control, Soil fertility improvement through nitrogen-fixing, Soil fertility improvement through mulch/ leaves
Cultural uses: Ceremomial
Scattered in cropland, Scatterd in homestead Growth rate: Fairly fast
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: Spacing,Pruning,Lopping
Leafing Phenology: Deciduous to Semi-Deciduous
Ficus thonningii
Ficus vasta Moraceae English: Fig tree




Makueni Native Fruits, Firewood, Charcoal, Timber for construction, Farm tools, Household tools, Fodder, Dead fence Ecological services: Shade
Cultural uses: Ceremomial
Scattered in cropland, Scatterd in homestead Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: unknown
Leafing Phenology: Deciduous
Ficus vasta
Filicium decipiens Sapindaceae English: Thika palm/Fern tree
Kikuyu: Kamiti/Thika palm



Kiambu, Laikipia Native Firewood Ecological services: Shade, Soil erosion control, Soil fertility improvement through mulch/ leaves, Wind break
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Live fence, Scattered in cropland, Scatterd in homestead, Homestead boundary/live fence, Woodlot Growth rate: unknown
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: Lopping, pollarding.
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Filicium decipiens
Fraxinus pennsylvanica Oleaceae English: Green ash
Kikuyu: Munyukwa



Kiambu, Laikipia Exotic Firewood, Timber for construction, Fodder, Bee Forage Ecological services: Shade
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Growth rate: Slow
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: Pruning
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen to semi-deciduous
Fraxinus pennsylvanica
Grevillea robusta Proteaceae English: Silky oak
Kikuyu: Mubariti/Mukima
Kamba: Mukima


Kiambu, Makueni, Laikipia Exotic Firewood, Charcoal, Timber for furniture, Timber for construction, Farm tools, Fodder, Bee Forage Ecological services: Shade, Wind break, Firebreak
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Scattered in cropland, Scatterd in homestead, Homestead boundary/live fence, Woodlot Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: Yes
Mgt practices: Pollarding
Leafing Phenology: Deciduous
Grevillea robusta
Grewia bicolor Tiliaceae English: Bastard brandy bush/White raisin

Kamba: Ngalawa/Ndawa/Mulawa/Kikalawa
Maasai: Ositeti/Sitet
Samburu: Lagrat denai/Lkarraiyo/Seteti
Makueni Native Fruits, Firewood, Timber for construction, Household tools, Medicine, Fodder, Fibre Ecological services: Shade, Soil erosion control, Soil fertility improvement through mulch/ leaves, Wind break
Live fence, Cropland boundary, Scattered in cropland, Scatterd in homestead, Homestead boundary/live fence, Woodlot, Road boundary/ openland Growth rate: Medium
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: Pollarding, coppicing, lopping, pruning
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Grewia bicolor
Grewia mollis Malvaceae English: Phalsa or falsa

Kamba: Kilawa


Makueni Native Fruits, Other Foods (including nuts), leaves, young shoots, flowers, buds, Firewood, Charcoal, Timber for furniture, Timber for construction, Farm tools, Household tools, Medicine, Fodder, Fibre Ecological services:
Growth rate: Slow
Invasiveness: Unknown
Mgt practices: Coppicing, pollarding
Leafing Phenology: Deciduous
Grewia mollis
Grewia tembensis Tiliaceae

Kamba: Mutuva
Maasai: Oirri
Samburu: Irri
Makueni Native Fruits, Firewood, Timber for construction, Household tools, Medicine, Fodder Ecological services: Shade
Scatterd in homestead Growth rate: Slow
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: Coppicing, pruning and thinning in pastures
Leafing Phenology: Deciduous
Grewia tembensis
Grewia villosa Tiliaceae English: Mallow raisin

Kamba: Muvu
Maasai: Olpompoi/Olmankulai
Samburu: Lpupoi/Najipouwis
Makueni Native Fruits, Firewood, Timber for construction, Medicine, Fodder, Fibre Ecological services: Shade
Live fence Growth rate: Tenacious
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: Coppicing
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen to semi-deciduous
Grewia villosa
Gymnosporia heterophylla Celastraceae English: Spike thorn




Laikipia Native Other Foods (including nuts), roots, Household tools, Medicine Ecological services:
Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: unknown
Mgt practices: unknown
Leafing Phenology: Deciduous
Gymnosporia heterophylla
Hagenia abyssinica Rosaceae English: Hagenia/African redwood
Kikuyu: Muhooru/Muthithiku/M?mondo/Mumondo



Kiambu Native Firewood, Charcoal, Timber for furniture, Timber for construction, Bee Forage, Tannins/Dyestuff Ecological services: Shade
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Growth rate: Slow
Invasiveness: unknown
Mgt practices: Thinning in pastures, coppicing
Leafing Phenology: Deciduous
Hagenia abyssinica
Helianthus annuus Asteraceae  English: Common sunflower
Kikuyu: Sunflower



Kiambu Exotic Other Foods (including nuts), seeds, Oil, Medicine, Bee Forage Ecological services:
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: Yes
Mgt practices: Mulching, trimming
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Helianthus annuus
Heteromorpha trifoliata/Heteromorpha arborescens Apiaceae English: Parsley tree




Laikipia Native Medicine, Fodder Ecological services:
Growth rate: unknown
Invasiveness: unknown
Mgt practices: unknown
Leafing Phenology: Deciduous
Heteromorpha trifoliata/Heteromorpha arborescens
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Malvaceae English: Chinese hibiscus

Kamba: Mukoma


Makueni Exotic Other Foods (including nuts), flowers, leaves, roots, Medicine, Tannins/Dyestuff Ecological services: Soil fertility improvement through mulch/ leaves, Firebreak
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Scattered in cropland, Scatterd in homestead Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: Pruning , topping , thinning
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Hyphaene compressa Arecaceae English: East African doum palm

Kamba: Mukoma

Samburu: Iparwa/Malala/Lparwai/Nkujit ae nkeok
Makueni Native Fruits, Firewood, Timber for construction, Fibre, Income Ecological services:
Scattered in cropland Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: unknown
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Hyphaene compressa
Indigofera zeyheri Fabaceae




Laikipia Native Ecological services:
Growth rate: unknown
Invasiveness: unknown
Mgt practices: Pruning
Leafing Phenology: unknown
Indigofera zeyheri
Jacaranda mimosifolia Bignoniaceae English: Jacaranda
Kikuyu: Mucakaranda
Kamba: Jakaranda


Kiambu, Makueni, Laikipia Exotic Firewood, Timber for construction, Farm tools, Bee Forage, Dead fence Ecological services: Soil erosion control
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Live fence, Scatterd in homestead Growth rate: Slow
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: Thinning, pruning
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Jacaranda mimosifolia
Jasminum grandiflorum Oleaceae English: Jasmine




Laikipia Native Other Foods (including nuts), flowers, Oil, Medicine, Income Ecological services:
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Growth rate: Slow
Invasiveness: unknown
Mgt practices: unknown
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Jasminum grandiflorum
Jatropha curcas Euphorbiaceae English: Purging nut, Barbados nut or physic nut




Laikipia Exotic Medicine, Bean stakes Ecological services:
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Live fence, Cropland boundary, Scattered in cropland, Homestead boundary/live fence Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: Pruning, trimming as a hedge
Leafing Phenology: Deciduous
Jatropha curcas
Juniperus procera Cupressaceae English: African juniper/African pencil-cedar
Kikuyu: Mutarakwa
Kamba: Mukuu
Maasai: Oltarakwai

Kiambu, Laikipia Native Firewood, Timber for construction, Medicine Ecological services: Soil erosion control, Soil fertility improvement through mulch/ leaves
Cultural uses: Ornamental , Cultural uses: Ceremomial
Live fence, Scattered in cropland, Scatterd in homestead, Homestead boundary/live fence Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: Lopping, pollarding, coppicing, pruning
Leafing Phenology: Deciduous
Juniperus procera
Kigelia africana Bignoniaceae English: Sausage Tree
Kikuyu: Muratina
Kamba: Muatine
Maasai: Oldarpoi
Samburu: Imombi
Kiambu, Makueni Native Firewood, Charcoal, Timber for furniture, Household tools, Medicine, Fodder, Bee Forage Ecological services: Shade, Wind break
Cultural uses: Ceremomial
Homestead boundary/live fence Growth rate: Fairly fast
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: Weeding, pruning, thinning
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Kigelia africana
Lannea schweinfurthii subsp. stuhlmannii Anacardiaceae English: False-marula

Kamba: Kyuasi
Maasai: Orpande
Samburu: Muthuchi
Makueni Native Fruits, Firewood, Charcoal, Timber for furniture, Farm tools, Household tools, Medicine, Fodder, Bee Forage, Tannins/Dyestuff, Fibre Ecological services: Shade, Wind break
Scatterd in homestead Growth rate: Slow
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: Pruning, pollarding, coppicing
Leafing Phenology: Semi-deciduous
Lannea schweinfurthii subsp. stuhlmannii
Lannea triphylla Anacardiaceae

Kamba: Kithaalwa/Muthaalwa
Maasai: Orpande
Samburu: Lapuroi
Makueni Native Fruits, Other Foods (including nuts), roots, inner bark, Timber for construction, Household tools, Medicine, Fodder Ecological services:
Live fence, Homestead boundary/live fence Growth rate: Moderate
Invasiveness: Unknown
Mgt practices: Lopping, pollarding
Leafing Phenology: Deciduous
Lannea triphylla
Lantana camara Verbenaceae English: Lantana or shrub verbena
Kikuyu: Karurina/Mitauti



Laikipia Exotic Other Foods (including nuts), leaves, Medicine, Fodder, Tannins/Dyestuff Ecological services:
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Live fence, Homestead boundary/live fence, Lake/ river shores Growth rate: unknown
Invasiveness: Yes
Mgt practices: Repeated control of regrowth is critical to success. Mechanical clearing and hand pulling are suitable for small areas and fire can be used over large areas
Leafing Phenology: unknown
Lantana camara
Leucaena diversifolia Fabaceae English: Wild tamarind/Red leucaena
Kikuyu: Lucina
Kamba: Lucina


Makueni Exotic Firewood, Timber for construction, Fodder, Bee Forage, Tannins/Dyestuff, Gums/Resins Ecological services: Shade
Live fence, Scattered in cropland Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: Lopping, pollarding, pruning, coppicing
Leafing Phenology: Deciduous
Leucaena diversifolia
Leucaena trichandra Fabaceae English: Hairystamen leadtree




Laikipia Exotic Other Foods (including nuts), unripe pods, immature seeds, flower buds, Firewood, Timber for construction, Fodder Ecological services: Soil fertility improvement through nitrogen-fixing, Soil fertility improvement through mulch/ leaves
Live fence, Scattered in cropland, Homestead boundary/live fence, Road boundary/ openland Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: Lopping
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Leucaena trichandra
Leucaena leucocephala Fabaceae English: Leucaena/Lead Tree
Kikuyu: Lucina
Kamba: Murukina, lucina


Makueni, Laikipia Exotic Other Foods (including nuts), young leaves, pods, flower buds, Firewood, Timber for construction, Farm tools, Fodder, Bee Forage Ecological services: Soil erosion control, Soil fertility improvement through nitrogen-fixing, Soil fertility improvement through mulch/ leaves
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Cropland boundary, Scatterd in homestead, Along soil conservation structures, Lake/ river shores Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: Coppicing and pruning
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Leucaena leucocephala
Ligustrum lucidum Oleaceae English: Glossy privet




Laikipia Exotic Other Foods (including nuts), leaves, shoots, Medicine Ecological services:
Growth rate: Medium
Invasiveness: Yes
Mgt practices: unknown
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Ligustrum lucidum
Lonchocarpus eriocalyx Fabaceae English: Broad lance-pod
Kikuyu: Lucina
Kamba: King'uthi, king'uuthe


Makueni Native Medicine Ecological services: Shade, Soil erosion control, Soil fertility improvement through nitrogen-fixing, Soil fertility improvement through mulch/ leaves
Live fence, Scattered in cropland, Scatterd in homestead, Homestead boundary/live fence Growth rate: Very fast growing
Invasiveness: Yes
Mgt practices: Lopping, coppicing
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Lonchocarpus eriocalyx
Macadamia integrifolia Proteaceae English: Macadamia Nut
Kikuyu: Mukandamia/Ngimbo



Kiambu, Laikipia Exotic Other Foods (including nuts), nuts, Oil, Charcoal, Household tools, Bee Forage, Income Ecological services:
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Growth rate: unknown
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: unknown
Leafing Phenology: Deciduous
Macadamia integrifolia
Macadamia tetraphylla Proteaceae English: Macadamia Nut
Kikuyu: Mukandamia/Ngimbo



Kiambu, Laikipia Exotic Other Foods (including nuts), nuts, Oil, Firewood, Bee Forage, Income Ecological services: Shade, Wind break
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Growth rate: Slow
Invasiveness: Yes
Mgt practices: Mulching(for young trees), pruning, weeding
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Macadamia tetraphylla
Macaranga kilimandscharica Euphorbiaceae
Kikuyu: Mukuhakuha
Kamba: Mukulati


Kiambu Native Firewood, Charcoal, Timber for furniture, Timber for construction, Medicine Ecological services: Shade, Wind break
Scattered in cropland, Scatterd in homestead Growth rate: Slow
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: Pruning
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Macaranga kilimandscharica
Maerua edulis/Maerua decumbens Capparaceae English: Blue-leaved bush berry

Kamba: Munatha
Maasai: Olkiage
Samburu: Lamuyaki
Laikipia Native Fruits, Other Foods (including nuts), roots, seeds, Medicine, Fodder, Bee Forage Ecological services:
Live fence, Cropland boundary, Homestead boundary/live fence Growth rate: unknown
Invasiveness: unknown
Mgt practices: Coppicing
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Maerua edulis/Maerua decumbens
Maerua triphylla Capparaceae English: Small bead-bean/Bush-cherry




Laikipia Native Fruits, Other Foods (including nuts), roots, leaves, Firewood, Charcoal, Timber for construction, Farm tools, Household tools, Medicine, Fodder, Bee Forage, Tannins/Dyestuff Ecological services:
Growth rate: unknown
Invasiveness: unknown
Mgt practices: Coppicing
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Maerua triphylla
Malus pumila/Malus domestica Rosaceae English: Apple




Kiambu, Laikipia Exotic Fruits, Income Ecological services:
Scattered in cropland Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: It is a fast growing tree with little management needs once established. When still young care should be offered against injury and drought
Leafing Phenology: Semi-deciduous
Malus pumila/Malus domestica
Mangifera indica Anacardiaceae English: Mango
Kikuyu: Muembe
Kamba: Muembe/Maembe


Kiambu, Makueni, Laikipia Exotic Fruits, Firewood, Medicine, Fodder, Bee Forage, Gums/Resins, Income Ecological services: Shade, Soil erosion control
Scattered in cropland, Scatterd in homestead Growth rate: Medium
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: Pruning, praying for insects
Leafing Phenology: Deciduous
Mangifera indica
Markhamia lutea Bignoniaceae English:  Nile tulip
Kikuyu: Muu
Kamba: Kyoo


Kiambu, Makueni, Laikipia Native Firewood, Charcoal, Timber for furniture, Timber for construction, Farm tools, Household tools, Medicine, Bee Forage Ecological services: Shade, Soil erosion control, Soil fertility improvement through mulch/ leaves, Wind break
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Scattered in cropland, Scatterd in homestead, Homestead boundary/live fence, Woodlot, Along soil conservation structures Growth rate: Medium
Invasiveness: Heavy shade and high water demand
Mgt practices: Lopping
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Markhamia lutea
Maytenus cordata Celastraceae English: Water Silky-bark/Heart-leaved Mayten




Laikipia Exotic Medicine Ecological services:
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Growth rate: Medium
Invasiveness: unknown
Mgt practices: unknown
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Maytenus cordata
Melia azedarach Meliaceae English: Chinaberry tree




Kiambu, Makueni, Laikipia Exotic Firewood, Charcoal, Timber for construction, Farm tools, Medicine, Fodder, Bee Forage, Income Ecological services: Shade, Soil erosion control, Soil fertility improvement through nitrogen-fixing, Soil fertility improvement through mulch/ leaves
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Cropland boundary, Homestead boundary/live fence, Along soil conservation structures, Road boundary/ openland Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: Pollarding, coppicing.
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Melia azedarach
Melia volkensii Meliaceae English: Melia
Kikuyu: Mukau
Kamba: Mukau


Makueni Native Firewood, Timber for furniture, Timber for construction, Household tools, Bee Forage Ecological services: Soil fertility improvement through mulch/ leaves
Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: Pruning, thinning the crown
Leafing Phenology: Deciduous
Melia volkensii
Moringa oleifera Moringaceae English: Drumstick tree
Kikuyu: Muringa
Kamba: Muvutu


Kiambu, Makueni Exotic Other Foods (including nuts), leaves, Oil, Medicine, Fodder, Bee Forage, Tannins/Dyestuff, Fibre Ecological services: Shade, Wind break
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Live fence, Scattered in cropland, Scatterd in homestead, Homestead boundary/live fence, Along soil conservation structures Growth rate: Fairly fast
Invasiveness: Yes
Mgt practices: Pollarding, lopping, coppicing, pruning
Leafing Phenology: Deciduous
Moringa oleifera
Morus alba Moraceae  English: White mulberry
Kikuyu: Mutare
Kamba: Kitae


Kiambu, Makueni, Laikipia Exotic Fruits, Firewood, Farm tools, Fodder, Bee Forage Ecological services: Shade, Soil erosion control, Wind break
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Live fence, Scattered in cropland, Scatterd in homestead, Homestead boundary/live fence, Along soil conservation structures Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: Pruning , Coppicing, Pollarding
Leafing Phenology: Deciduous
Morus alba
Myrianthus holstii Urticaceae
Kikuyu: Mutuya



Kiambu Native Fruits, Firewood, Charcoal, Household tools Ecological services: Soil erosion control, Soil fertility improvement through mulch/ leaves
Growth rate: Unknown
Invasiveness: unknown
Mgt practices: Coppicing and pollarding
Leafing Phenology: Deciduous
Myrianthus holstii
Nerium oleander Apocynaceae English: Oleander/Nerium




Kiambu, Makueni Exotic Medicine Ecological services: Shade, Soil erosion control, Wind break
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Live fence, Scattered in cropland, Scatterd in homestead, Along soil conservation structures Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: Yes
Mgt practices: Lopping, weeding
Leafing Phenology: Deciduous
Nerium oleander
Newtonia buchananii Fabaceae English: Forest newtonia
Kikuyu: Mukui



Kiambu Native Firewood, Charcoal, Timber for construction, Fodder, Bee Forage Ecological services:
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: Yes
Mgt practices: unknown
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Newtonia buchananii
Olea europaea ssp. africana Oleaceae English: African wild olive
Kikuyu: Mutamaiyu
Kamba: Muthata
Maasai: Oloirien
Samburu: Tamiyai
Kiambu, Laikipia Native Firewood, Charcoal, Timber for furniture, Timber for construction, Farm tools, Household tools, Medicine, Fodder, Bee Forage Ecological services: Shade, Soil fertility improvement through nitrogen-fixing, Soil fertility improvement through mulch/ leaves
Cultural uses: Ceremomial
Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: unknown
Mgt practices: unknown
Leafing Phenology: Deciduous
Olea europaea ssp. africana
Olea capensis ssp. welwitschii Oleaceae English: Elgon olive
Kikuyu: Mucarage

Maasai: Ololiondoi
Samburu: Loliontoi
Kiambu Native Firewood, Charcoal, Timber for furniture, Timber for construction, Farm tools, Medicine, Bee Forage, Dead fence Ecological services: Shade, Soil erosion control, Soil fertility improvement through nitrogen-fixing
Cultural uses: Ceremomial
Live fence, Scattered in cropland, Scatterd in homestead, Woodlot, Along soil conservation structures Growth rate: Slow
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: Pruning, thinning, pollarding
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Olea capensis ssp. welwitschii
Ormocarpum kirkii Fabaceae English: Caterpillar bush

Kamba: Muthingii/Muema nzou
Maasai: Enkike empan/Engese mbaus

Makueni Native Firewood, Timber for construction, Medicine, Fodder Ecological services:
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Scatterd in homestead Growth rate: Slow
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: Lopping, pollarding
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Ormocarpum kirkii
Persea americana Lauraceae English: Avocado
Kikuyu: Mukorobea/Maguna ngui
Kamba: Ikoloviu


Kiambu, Makueni, Laikipia Exotic Fruits, Firewood, Charcoal, Timber for construction, Medicine, Fodder, Income Ecological services: Soil erosion control
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Cropland boundary, Scattered in cropland Growth rate: unknown
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: Coppicing
Leafing Phenology: unknown
Persea americana
Petrea volubilis Verbenaceae English: Sandpaper Vine/ Queen's Wreath/ Purple Wreath, Sandpaper




Kiambu Exotic Firewood, Medicine Ecological services: Shade, Soil erosion control, Wind break
Cropland boundary, Scattered in cropland, Scatterd in homestead Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: Competes for nutrients through its dense shallow root system. Its shade is also dense
Mgt practices: Pruning, Side pruning
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Petrea volubilis
Phoenix reclinata Arecaceae English: African Wild Date
Kikuyu: Mukindu
Kamba: Mukindu
Maasai: Oltukai
Samburu: Lekawai
Kiambu, Laikipia Native Fruits, Firewood, Timber for furniture, Bee Forage, Tannins/Dyestuff Ecological services:
Cultural uses: Ornamental , Cultural uses: Ceremomial
Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: Unknown
Leafing Phenology: Deciduous
Phoenix reclinata
Pinus patula Pinaceae English: Mexican weeping pine
Kikuyu: Muchinda nugu



Kiambu, Laikipia Exotic Firewood, Charcoal, Timber for furniture, Timber for construction, Medicine, Gums/Resins, Income Ecological services:
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Growth rate: Slow
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: Pruning, thinning(if growing in groups)
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Pinus patula
Podocarpus falcatus Podocarpaceae  English: Podo/Outeniqua yelloWwood
Kikuyu: Muthengera
Kamba: Muvengea
Maasai: Olpiripiri/Ormusanduku
Samburu: Piripirindi
Kiambu, Laikipia Native Firewood, Timber for furniture, Timber for construction, Medicine Ecological services: Shade, Soil erosion control, Wind break
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Scattered in cropland, Scatterd in homestead Growth rate: Medium
Invasiveness: Aggressive
Mgt practices: Weeding, pruning ,
Leafing Phenology: evergreen
Podocarpus falcatus
Podocarpus latifolius Podocarpaceae  English: Real yellowwood
Kikuyu: Muthengera
Kamba: Muvengea
Maasai: Olpoiripiri
Samburu: Olchani
Kiambu Native Firewood, Timber for furniture, Timber for construction, Medicine Ecological services: Shade
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Scattered in cropland Growth rate: Slow
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: Pruning
Leafing Phenology: unknown
Podocarpus latifolius
Polyalthia longifolia Annonaceae English: False ashoka




Makueni Exotic Medicine, Fibre Ecological services: Shade
Scatterd in homestead Growth rate: Slow
Invasiveness: Yes
Mgt practices: Coppicing
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Polyalthia longifolia
Polyscias fulva Araliaceae English: Parasol tree
Kikuyu: Mutati

Maasai: Olyalilingi

Kiambu Native Firewood, Timber for furniture, Farm tools, Household tools, Bee Forage, Bean stakes Ecological services:
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Scattered in cropland Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: Pruning
Leafing Phenology: Deciduous
Polyscias fulva
Prunus africana Rosaceae English: African cherry
Kikuyu: Muiri/Mukirikaba
Kamba: Mumbaume/Mutimailu
Maasai: Olkoijuk

Kiambu, Laikipia Native Firewood, Charcoal, Timber for furniture, Farm tools, Household tools, Medicine, Bee Forage Ecological services:
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Growth rate: unknown
Invasiveness: unknown
Mgt practices: unknown
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Prunus africana
Prunus americana Rosaceae English:  American plum/Wild plum




Laikipia Exotic Fruits, Income Ecological services:
Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: unknown
Mgt practices: unknown
Leafing Phenology: Deciduous
Prunus americana
Prunus domestica Rosaceae English: Common plum




Laikipia Exotic Fruits, Medicine, Income Ecological services:
Growth rate: Medium
Invasiveness: unknown
Mgt practices: unknown
Leafing Phenology: Deciduous
Prunus domestica
Psidium cattleyanum Myrtaceae English: Strawberry guava




Laikipia Exotic Fruits, Income Ecological services:
Growth rate: Medium
Invasiveness: Yes
Mgt practices: The best form of invasive species management is prevention
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Psidium cattleyanum
Psidium guajava Myrtaceae English: Guava
Kikuyu: Mubera
Kamba: Kivela


Kiambu, Makueni, Laikipia Exotic Fruits, Firewood, Charcoal, Farm tools, Household tools, Medicine Ecological services: Shade, Wind break
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Scattered in cropland, Scatterd in homestead Growth rate: Fairly slow
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: Bark removal
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Psidium guajava
Psychotria capensis Rubiaceae English: Black bird-berry




Laikipia Native Timber for furniture, Timber for construction, Medicine Ecological services:
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Growth rate: unknown
Invasiveness: unknown
Mgt practices: unknown
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Psychotria capensis
Psydrax parviflora Rubiaceae




Laikipia Native Fruits, Firewood, Charcoal, Farm tools, Household tools, Medicine Ecological services:
Growth rate: unknown
Invasiveness: unknown
Mgt practices: unknown
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Psydrax parviflora
Psydrax schimperiana subsp. Schimperiana Rubiaceae




Makueni Native Fruits, Firewood, Timber for construction, Farm tools, Household tools, Medicine, Fodder Ecological services: Shade, Soil fertility improvement through nitrogen-fixing
Cropland boundary, Scatterd in homestead, Homestead boundary/live fence, Road boundary/ openland Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: Yes
Mgt practices: Pruning, Coppicing, Irrigation
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Psydrax schimperiana subsp. Schimperiana
Pterolobium stellatum Fabaceae English: Redwing
Kikuyu: Mutanda-mbogo/Mutanga-ruri



Laikipia Native Firewood, Medicine, Tannins/Dyestuff Ecological services:
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Live fence, Homestead boundary/live fence Growth rate: unknown
Invasiveness: unknown
Mgt practices: Pruning
Leafing Phenology: unknown
Pterolobium stellatum
Punica granatum Punicaceae English: Pomegranate
Kikuyu: Kungumanga



Kiambu, Laikipia Exotic Fruits, Firewood, Farm tools, Medicine, Fodder, Tannins/Dyestuff Ecological services: Shade
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Scattered in cropland, Scatterd in homestead Growth rate: unknown
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: Coppicing
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Punica granatum
Rhamnus staddo Rhamnaceae
Kikuyu: Mubura



Laikipia Native Other Foods (including nuts), leaves, Firewood, Farm tools, Household tools, Medicine Ecological services:
Growth rate: unknown
Invasiveness: unknown
Mgt practices: Coppicing
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Rhamnus staddo
Rhus natalensis/Searsia natalensis Anacardiaceae English: Dune karee, Natal karee
Kikuyu: Muthigio
Kamba: Mutheu/Ntheu
Maasai: Ol mesigie
Samburu: Mhunguru
Fruits, Firewood, Farm tools, Household tools, Medicine, Fodder, Charcoal Ecological services: Shade
Growth rate: unknown
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: Lower tree branches require pruning
Leafing Phenology: Deciduous or evergreen
Rhus natalensis/Searsia natalensis
Rhus vulgaris/Searsia pyroides/Searsia rehmanniana Anacardiaceae English: Blunt-leaved currant
Kikuyu: Muthigio
Kamba: Mutheu/Ntheu/Kitheu
Maasai: Ormungushi
Samburu: Sioloran
Laikipia Native Fruits, Firewood, Farm tools, Medicine Ecological services:
Growth rate: Slow
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: Coppicing. Rather slow growing
Leafing Phenology: Deciduous
Rhus vulgaris/Searsia pyroides/Searsia rehmanniana
Ricinus communis Euphorbiaceae English: Castor bean
Kikuyu: Mwariki/Mbariki
Kamba: Kivunu/Kyaiki/Mwaiki
Maasai: Oldule/Orpariki
Samburu: Laibelelhi/Lampalegi
Kiambu, Laikipia Native Oil, Firewood, Medicine, Fodder, Tannins/Dyestuff Ecological services: Shade, Soil fertility improvement through mulch/ leaves
Growth rate: Slow

Mgt practices: Lopping, pruning, coppicing, thinning
Leafing Phenology: Deciduous
Ricinus communis
Robinia hispida Fabaceae English: Bristly locust




Laikipia Exotic Timber for construction, Household tools, Medicine, Bee Forage Ecological services: Soil erosion control, Soil fertility improvement through nitrogen-fixing
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Growth rate: Medium
Invasiveness: unknown
Mgt practices: unknown
Leafing Phenology: Deciduous
Robinia hispida
Rubus fruticosus Rosaceae English: Wild black berry

Kamba: Kitae/Mutae


Makueni Exotic Fruits, Medicine, Bee Forage, Income Ecological services:
Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: Yes
Mgt practices: Unknown
Leafing Phenology: Semi-deciduous
Rubus fruticosus
Sambucus africana Caprifoliaceae  English: American black elderberry




Kiambu Native Fruits, Firewood Ecological services: Soil fertility improvement through nitrogen-fixing, Soil fertility improvement through mulch/ leaves, Riverbank stabilization
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Scattered in cropland, Road boundary/ openland Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: Yes
Mgt practices: Weeding, thinning
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Sambucus africana
Saraca asoca Fabaceae English: The Ashoka tree




Makueni Exotic Medicine Ecological services:
Live fence, Scatterd in homestead Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: Yes
Mgt practices: Coppicing, pruning, trimming
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Saraca asoca
Schefflera actinophylla Araliaceae English: Umbrella Tree




Kiambu Exotic Ecological services:
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Growth rate: Medium
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: unknown
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Schefflera actinophylla
Schinus molle Anacardiaceae English: Peruvian pepper tree
Kikuyu: Mubiribiri



Laikipia Exotic Oil, Firewood, Charcoal, Medicine, Bee Forage, Tannins/Dyestuff, Gums/Resins, Income Ecological services: Shade, Soil erosion control
Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: Yes
Mgt practices: Pollarding, lopping, coppicing
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Schinus molle
Schinus terebinthifolia Anacardiaceae English: Brazilian pepper tree




Kiambu Exotic Firewood, Charcoal, Timber for furniture, Medicine Ecological services:
Growth rate: unknown
Invasiveness: Yes
Mgt practices: unknown
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Schinus terebinthifolia
Schrebera alata Oleaceae English: Wild jasmine




Laikipia Native Firewood, Timber for construction, Farm tools, Household tools, Medicine, Bee Forage Ecological services: Shade
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: unknown
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Schrebera alata
Sclerocarya birrea Anacardiaceae English: Marula

Kamba: Muuwa
Maasai: Olmang'uai

Makueni Native Fruits, Firewood, Charcoal, Timber for furniture, Timber for construction, Household tools, Medicine, Fodder, Bee Forage, Tannins/Dyestuff, Fibre Ecological services: Riverbank stabilization
Scatterd in homestead Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: Yes(if not properly managed)
Mgt practices: unknown
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Sclerocarya birrea
Scutia myrtina Rhamnaceae English: Cat thorn
Kikuyu: Muhurangware/mulangari
Kamba: Kitumbuu


Laikipia Native Fruits, Medicine, Fodder Ecological services: Shade
Live fence, Homestead boundary/live fence Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: unknown
Mgt practices: unknown
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Scutia myrtina
Senecio bayonnensis Asteraceae




Kiambu Exotic Ecological services: Shade, Soil fertility improvement through mulch/ leaves
Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: Coppicing
Leafing Phenology: Deciduous
Senecio bayonnensis
Senegalia polyacantha/Acacia polyacantha Fabaceae English: White thorn

Kamba: Kivovoa/Mwelele/Kivuvwa


Makueni, Laikipia Native Other Foods (including nuts), gum, Firewood, Charcoal, Farm tools, Medicine, Fodder, Bee Forage, Dead fence Ecological services: Shade, Soil erosion control, Soil fertility improvement through nitrogen-fixing
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Live fence, Scattered in cropland, Woodlot Growth rate: Moderate
Invasiveness: Yes
Mgt practices: Pruning in pastures, lopping, thinning, trimming(as fence)
Leafing Phenology: Deciduous
Senegalia polyacantha/Acacia polyacantha
Senna didymobotrya Fabaceae English:  African senna
Kikuyu: Mwinu



Kiambu, Laikipia Native Firewood, Medicine, Bee Forage Ecological services:
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Growth rate: Slow
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: Lopping, pruning, coppicing, weeding
Leafing Phenology: Deciduous
Senna didymobotrya
Senna longeracemosa Fabaceae




Makueni Native Medicine Ecological services: Shade
Live fence, Cropland boundary, Scattered in cropland, Scatterd in homestead, Along soil conservation structures, Road boundary/ openland Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: Pruning, thinning
Leafing Phenology: Deciduous
Senna longeracemosa
Senna siamea Fabaceae English: Siamese Senna

Kamba: Ikengeta


Makueni, Laikipia Exotic Firewood, Charcoal, Timber for furniture, Timber for construction, Medicine, Bee Forage Ecological services: Soil erosion control
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Scattered in cropland, Scatterd in homestead, Woodlot Growth rate: unknown
Invasiveness: unknown
Mgt practices: unknown
Leafing Phenology: unknown
Senna siamea
Senna singueana Fabaceae English: Winter cassia




Laikipia Native Other Foods (including nuts), pods, leaves, Firewood, Timber for furniture, Household tools, Medicine, Fodder, Tannins/Dyestuff Ecological services: Shade
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: unknown
Mgt practices: Coppicing
Leafing Phenology: Deciduous
Senna singueana
Senna spectabilis Fabaceae English: American Cassia
Kikuyu: Muchingiri
Kamba: Mwenu


Kiambu, Makueni Exotic Firewood, Charcoal, Timber for construction, Farm tools, Bee Forage Ecological services: Shade, Soil erosion control, Soil fertility improvement through mulch/ leaves, Wind break
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Scatterd in homestead, Homestead boundary/live fence Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: Yes
Mgt practices: Weeding, coppicing, pollarding, lopping
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Senna spectabilis
Sesbania sesban Fabaceae English: Egyptian riverhemp
Kikuyu: Mwethia
Kamba: Munyongo
Maasai: Oloiyangalani
Samburu: Loiyangalani
Kiambu, Laikipia Native Firewood, Charcoal, Timber for construction, Medicine, Fodder, Bee Forage, Gums/Resins, Fibre Ecological services: Shade, Wind break
Cropland boundary, Homestead boundary/live fence, Road boundary/ openland Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: Yes
Mgt practices: Coppicing
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Sesbania sesban
Solanum betaceum/Cyphomandra betacea Solanaceae English: Tree tomato
Kikuyu: Thabibu/Itunda ria thakame



Kiambu, Laikipia Exotic Fruits, Firewood, Bee Forage, Income Ecological services: Shade, Soil erosion control, Soil fertility improvement through nitrogen-fixing, Soil fertility improvement through mulch/ leaves, Riverbank stabilization, Wind break
Live fence, Cropland boundary, Scattered in cropland, Homestead boundary/live fence, Along soil conservation structures Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: No
Mgt practices: Pruning, Cutting back at young age
Leafing Phenology: Deciduous
Solanum betaceum/Cyphomandra betacea
Solanum mauritianum Solanaceae English: Bugweed




Kiambu, Laikipia Exotic Medicine Ecological services:
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Scattered in cropland, Scatterd in homestead Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: Aggressive
Mgt practices: Coppicing, polarding
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Solanum mauritianum
Solanum torvum Solanaceae English: Devil's Fig




Kiambu Exotic Fruits, Other Foods (including nuts), leaves, Medicine Ecological services:
Growth rate: Fast
Invasiveness: Yes
Mgt practices: unknown
Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Solanum torvum
Spathodea campanulata Bignoniaceae English: Nandi flame,/African Tulip Tree
Kikuyu: Thageti
Kamba: Mwianzo


Kiambu, Makueni, Laikipia Native Firewood, Charcoal, Timber for construction, Medicine, Bee Forage Ecological services: Shade, Soil fertility improvement through mulch/ leaves, Wind break
Cultural uses: Ornamental
Scatterd in homestead
Invasiveness: Yes

Leafing Phenology: Evergreen
Spathodea campanulata

Pages

Citation

  1. Kuria, A., Uwase, Y., Mukuralinda, A., Iiyama, M., Twagirayezu, D., Njenga, M., Muriuki, J., Mutaganda, A., Muthuri, C., Kindt, R., Betemariam, E., Cronin, M., Kinuthia, R., Migambi, F., Lamond, G., Pagella, T., & Sinclair, F. (2017). Suitable tree species selection and management tool for Rwanda. [Database], World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF).
  2. Kuria, A., Dawit, S., Endale, Y., Derero, A., Iiyama, M., Muthuri, C., Hadgu, K., Kinuthia, R., Betemariam, E., Asantewaa, M., Muriuki, J., Kindt, R., Dedefo, K., Senbeto, M., Njenga, M., Lamond, G., Pagella, T., & Sinclair, F. (2017). Suitable tree species selection and management tool for Ethiopia. [Database], World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF). 
  3. Kuria, A., Buyinza, J., Galabuzi, C., Muthuri, C., Agaba, H., Okia C., Kwateng-Yeboah, C., Kinuthia, R., Njoki, M., Carsan S., Lamond G., Sinclair F. (2020).  Suitable tree species selection and management tool for Uganda. [Database], World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF)
  4. Muthuri, C., Wakaba, D., Kuyah, S., Njoki, Caroline., Muchoki, K., Njoki, Mercy., & Kuria, A,. (2023).  Suitable tree species selection and management tool for Kenya.  [Database], World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF).