Full List of Indigenous Trees in Kenya (2025) - Native Species With Pictures & Uses

Image of a Mutarakwa Tree(cedar) Fencing Post

In this post we will look at

1.)About Indigenous Trees

2.)List of Indigenous Trees in Kenya

3.)Benefits of Indigenous Trees

4.)FAQ about Indigenous Trees in Kenya

5.)Sellers of Indigenous Trees in Kenya

6.)Economic benefits of Indigenous Trees In Kenya

About Indigenous Trees in Kenya

Image of a juniperus procera tree at the foot of Mount Kenya

Kenya is home to a rich diversity of indigenous trees, many of which play crucial ecological, cultural, and economic roles .Kenya has seen increasing efforts to protect and reforest indigenous trees, including tree-planting initiatives by organizations, local communities, and government programs. Conservation of indigenous trees helps prevent biodiversity loss, supports traditional knowledge, and enhances climate resilience across the country.

Benefits of Indigenous Trees

Image of Prunus africana leaves

Indigenous trees support unique ecosystems, providing habitat, food, and shelter to native species of birds, mammals, and insects .Many indigenous trees help prevent soil erosion, especially in highland and arid areas prone to land degradation. Several trees hold cultural significance for different Kenyan communities, playing central roles in rituals and traditional practices

Indigenous trees are well-adapted to local climates, making them more resilient to climate change than non-native species.

FAQ about Indigenous Trees in Kenya

What Does "Olea" Mean?

The word "Olea" is Latin for "olive," and it reflects the resemblance of certain plants in this genus to the olive tree in terms of physical characteristics, such as their leaves, fruit, or growth habits. In botanical taxonomy, the genus Olea includes not only the cultivated olive tree (Olea europaea) but also several wild species found in Africa, Asia, and other regions.

List of Indigenous Trees in Kenya

Scientific Name

 African Olive

 East African Yellowwood (Podocarpus latifolius)

 African Sandalwood (Osyris lanceolata)

 Prunus africana (African Cherry)

 Melia volkensii

Baobab (Adansonia digitata)

 Croton megalocarpus

 Moringa (Moringa oleifera)

 African Pencil Cedar (Juniperus procera)

 Elgon Teak (Olea capensis)

 Warburgia ugandensis (Uganda Greenheart)

 Acacia (Vachellia and Senegalia species)

 Syzygium guineense (Waterberry)

 Ficus sycomorus (Sycamore Fig)

 Newtonia buchananii (Newtonia)

Tamarindus indica (Tamarind)

Terminalia brownii (East African Almond)

 African Mahogany (Khaya anthotheca)

 Combretum molle (Velvet Bushwillow)

 Markhamia lutea (Nile Tulip)

Hagenia abyssinica (Rosewood)

Nuxia congesta (Brittle-wood)

Rapanea melanophloeos

Dombeya torrida

Podocarpus falcatus

Yushania alpina Bamboo

Rauvolfia caffra

Cordia africana

Casaeria battiscombei

Rothmania ulceriformis

Cinnamomum camphora

Milletia dura

African Olive

Image of a Wild african olive

Olea africana, also known as the African wild olive is an indigenous tree species found across Africa, including Kenya. The Olea europaea subsp africana is known for its resilience, hard wood, and medicinal properties .

Image of Mutamaiyo seeds

The wood of the Olea africana is extremely hard and dense, with a fine grain, making it suitable for high-quality woodworking. The Olea Africana produces small, dark purple or black fruits that are rich in oil, though smaller and less fleshy than those of the cultivated olive

Milletia dura

Milletia dura iis a medium to large-sized tree that belongs to the legume family (Fabaceae) and is native to various parts of East and Southern Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ethiopia.. Compound leaves, usually with multiple leaflets arranged alternately.

 Image of Milletia dura seedlings by Agatha Mwende

The leaves are green and may have a slightly glossy appearance Produces attractive, pea-like flowers that are usually purple or lilac in color. The flowers are arranged in dense clusters .

The fruit is a pod, typical of legumes, that contains seeds. These pods often have a woody texture and split open when mature to release seeds

Image of Milletia dura Flowers by Agatha Mwende

East African Yellowwood (Podocarpus latifolius)

Image of an East African Yellowwood tree (Podocarpus latifolius)

The East African Yellowwood (Podocarpus latifolius) is a large evergreen tree native to Africa, found in montane forests across regions like Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

It belongs to the Podocarpaceae family and is highly valued for its ornamental, ecological, and economic contributions.

 Its fine-grained, yellowish wood is durable and used for furniture, construction, and carvings.  It can grow up to 30-40 meters, with a straight trunk and a dense, conical crown.  The tree produces fleshy, berry-like fruits that are an important food source for birds.

Cinnamomum camphora

Cinnamomum camphora, commonly known as the camphor tree or camphor laurel, is a large evergreen tree native to East Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea.

It is widely known for its aromatic properties, owing to its production of camphor oil, and is now cultivated in many parts of the world for its medicinal, ornamental, and industrial uses.

Rauvolfia caffra

Rauvolfia caffra, commonly known as the quinine tree or African devil's tree, is a medium to large evergreen tree that can grow up to 25 meters tall. is a significant tree species in tropical and subtropical Africa.

It belongs to the family Apocynaceae, which includes other well-known genera like Catharanthus (source of anti-cancer drugs) and Plumeria (frangipani). Rauvolfia caffra is valued for its medicinal properties, ecological role, and cultural significance. The tree has a straight trunk, often branching at higher levels, and a rounded crown.

Rothmania ulceriformis

Rothmannia ulceriformis is a tree species in the family Rubiaceae, a group that includes coffee plants and gardenias. is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree or shrub that typically reaches a height of 3 to 10 meters.Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, The tree produces large, tubular, or funnel-shaped flowers, which are creamy white with purple or maroon streaks inside the petals. Rothmannia ulceriformis is notable for its ecological and ornamental value. While less widely known than other species in its genus, it shares many features characteristic of the Rothmannia genus.

African Sandalwood (Osyris lanceolata)

African sandalwood (Osyris lanceolata), also known as East African sandalwood, is a small evergreen tree or shrub native to East and Central Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. It thrives in dry woodlands and rocky soils.

The tree is highly valued for its fragrant heartwood, which is used in perfumery, traditional medicine, and cosmetics. Its essential oil is sought after for its rich, woody aroma. Due to overharvesting for commercial purposes, African sandalwood faces a significant decline, leading to conservation concerns.

Prunus africana (African Cherry)

Prunus africana, commonly known as the African cherry or red stinkwood, is a large evergreen tree native to the highland forests of Africa. It grows up to 30 meters tall and has rough, dark bark with medicinal properties. The bark contains compounds used to treat prostate disorders, making it highly valuable in pharmaceutical industries.

Prunus africana also plays an essential ecological role, providing habitat and preventing soil erosion. However, excessive harvesting for its medicinal bark has led to population declines, prompting conservation efforts. Sustainable harvesting and reforestation programs are crucial to preserving this species and maintaining ecological balance.

Melia volkensii

Melia volkensii, commonly known as mukau, is a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree native to arid and semi-arid regions of East Africa, particularly Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. It belongs to the mahogany family and is valued for its high-quality hardwood, used in furniture making and construction.

The tree also provides shade, fodder for livestock, and erosion control. Its seeds contain insecticidal properties, making them useful in pest management. Due to its economic and ecological benefits, Melia volkensii is widely promoted in agroforestry programs.

Baobab (Adansonia digitata)

The baobab (Adansonia digitata) is an iconic tree native to Africa, known for its massive trunk, which can store thousands of liters of water to survive drought conditions. It thrives in savannas and semi-arid regions, reaching up to 25 meters in height and living for thousands of years.

The tree provides food, medicine, and shelter; its nutrient-rich fruit, called monkey bread, is high in vitamin C and antioxidants. The bark, leaves, and seeds have medicinal and nutritional uses. Due to deforestation and climate change, conservation efforts are vital to protect the baobab and its role in African ecosystems.

Croton megalocarpus

Croton megalocarpus is a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree native to East Africa, commonly found in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. It can grow up to 36 meters tall and is valued for its ecological and economic benefits. The tree provides shade, controls soil erosion, and enhances soil fertility through nitrogen fixation.

Its seeds yield oil used in biodiesel production, soap making, and traditional medicine. The wood is used for construction, fuel, and furniture. Croton megalocarpus plays a crucial role in agroforestry and reforestation programs, making it a sustainable resource for rural communities while contributing to environmental conservation.

Moringa (Moringa oleifera)

The Moringa tree , commonly referred to as the miracle tree, is a plant native to parts of Africa and Asia, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.

Moringa is scientifically known as Moringa oleifera and belongs to the Moringaceae family and has gained global recognition due to its nutritional, medicinal, and economic potential. Moringa can play a vital role in sustainable agriculture and food security, especially in developing countries

African Pencil Cedar (Juniperus procera)

Juniperus procera, commonly known as the African juniper or East African cedar, is a tall coniferous tree native to the highlands of East Africa, Common in high-altitude areas such as Mt. Kenya and the Aberdares. It thrives in altitudes between 1,500 and 3,400 meters, preferring well-drained soils.

This evergreen tree can reach up to 40 meters in height, with reddish-brown bark and needle-like leaves. Its durable, aromatic wood is highly valued for construction, furniture, and essential oils. Juniperus procera plays a crucial ecological role, providing habitat and preventing soil erosion. However, deforestation threatens its populations, necessitating conservation efforts. Its timber is highly valued for construction and furniture. The tree is also used for traditional rituals in some communities.

Elgon Teak (Olea capensis)

Elgon teak (Olea capensis) is a slow-growing hardwood tree native to East Africa, particularly around Mount Elgon in Kenya and Uganda. It thrives in montane forests and can reach heights of up to 40 meters.

The tree is highly valued for its durable, termite-resistant timber, used in furniture, flooring, and construction. It also plays an essential ecological role, providing habitat and preventing soil erosion. Elgon teak produces small, dark fruits that attract birds and wildlife.

Warburgia ugandensis (Uganda Greenheart)

Warbugia ugandensis is commonly referred to as the East African greenheart due to its distinctive greenish heartwood and its geographical distribution. The term "greenheart" is often used for certain tree species known for their dense and durable wood, which is typically resistant to decay and pests.

This quality makes the wood highly valued for construction and furniture.In addition to its physical characteristics, the name reflects the tree's ecological significance in the East African region, where it contributes to the rich biodiversity of tropical forests.

Acacia (Vachellia and Senegalia species)

• Habitat: Common across Kenya, especially in the savannas and drylands.

• Uses: The different species of acacia are used for their gum (gum arabic), timber, and as a source of fodder for livestock. Some species have medicinal uses.

Syzygium guineense (Waterberry)

• Habitat: Grows along rivers and in wetlands in central and western Kenya.

• Uses: The fruit is edible, and the tree is used for medicinal purposes. It also provides wood for building and firewood.

Ficus sycomorus (Sycamore Fig)

• Habitat: Found along riverbanks, in forests, and in savanna woodlands.

• Uses: The fruit is edible, and the tree is revered in many African cultures. It also provides shade and is important for soil conservation.

Newtonia buchananii (Newtonia)

• Habitat: Grows in montane and riverine forests in central Kenya.

• Uses: Its timber is used for making furniture and in construction.

Tamarindus indica (Tamarind)

• Habitat: Found in arid and semi-arid areas, particularly along the Kenyan coast and inland.

• Uses: The fruit is widely used in cooking and beverages, while the leaves and bark have medicinal properties.

Terminalia brownii (East African Almond)

• Habitat: Grows in dryland forests and woodlands in central and northern Kenya.

• Uses: Its wood is used for making tools, and the leaves are used for medicinal purposes.

African Mahogany (Khaya anthotheca)

• Habitat: Found in tropical forests in western Kenya and along river systems.

• Uses: The wood is highly prized for its durability and aesthetic appeal, commonly used in furniture and construction.

Combretum molle (Velvet Bushwillow)

• Habitat: Found in dry forests and woodlands across Kenya.

• Uses: The tree is used in traditional medicine for treating ailments like stomach problems and coughs. It also produces firewood and charcoal.

Markhamia lutea (Nile Tulip)

• Habitat: Thrives in highland forests and savannas.

• Uses: Its bright yellow flowers make it popular for ornamental purposes, while its wood is used for making poles and tool hand

Hagenia abyssinica (Rosewood)

Hagenia abyssinica, commonly known as African redwood, kosso, or brayera, is a species of flowering plant native to the highland regions of Africa, particularly in the Afromontane regions of Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. The tree is well-known for its medicinal properties and its cultural significance, especially in Ethiopia where it has been used for centuries to treat various ailments

Nuxia congesta (Brittle-wood)

Rapanea melanophloeos

Dombeya torrida

Podocarpus falcatus

Yushania alpina Bamboo