Conservation and Sustainability
Welcome to our ‘Featured Tree of the Month’ series, where we highlight remarkable trees from Eastern Africa. Each month, we explore a unique species, diving into its ecology, cultural significance, and role in the region’s environment. Join us in discovering the beauty, history, and science behind these extraordinary trees.
MAY As you travel through Kenya, particularly the western and central parts, the vibrant orange-red blooms of the Nandi flame tree often catch the eye. Known scientifically as Spathodea campanulata, this tree is a striking feature of the landscape, easily recognized by its large, tulip-shaped flowers. While its common name links it to the Nandi… Continue reading The Kenya Nandi Flame Tree: A Burst of Colour in Our Landscapes
APRIL African sandalwood (Osyris lanceolata), a small tree or shrub native to East Africa and parts of Asia, is treasured for its fragrant wood and essential oils. Known for its diverse medicinal, cultural, and commercial applications, this species has become a symbol of both natural wealth and ecological vulnerability. Uses The utility of African sandalwood… Continue reading African Sandalwood: A Valuable Tree under threat
MARCH Senna spectabilis, also known as Cassia spectabilis or Spectacular Cassia, is a fast-growing, medium-sized tree admired for its brilliant yellow flowers. Originally from Central and South America, it has made its way across the tropics, including Africa and Asia, where it’s been introduced for its ornamental value and rapid growth (CABI, 2023). Origin and… Continue reading Senna Spectabilis: Beauty or Ecological Threat?
FEBRUARY Introduction Acacia senegal, also known as Senegalia senegal, is a small, thorny, deciduous tree native to semi-arid regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, Oman, Pakistan, and parts of India. Commonly referred to as the gum arabic tree, it holds immense ecological, economic, and medicinal importance. Its most valuable product, gum arabic, is a key commodity in… Continue reading Acacia senegal: The Multipurpose Tree and Its Valuable Product – Gum Arabic
JANUARY The Jacaranda mimosifolia, a deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall, is renowned for its stunning blue-violet flowers that bloom twice a year. These vibrant flowers, which often appear in clusters before the leaves grow, create a breathtaking purple carpet beneath the tree. In Nairobi, the main blooming period occurs between… Continue reading Jacaranda mimosifolia: A Blooming Indicator of Seasonal Change