In this post we will look at
1.)About Thika Plant Tree
2.)Thika Palm Tree Common Names
3.)Thika Palm Tree flowers and Fruits
4.)Distribution and Habitat of Japanese Fern Tree
5.)Uses of Thika Palm Tree
7.)FAQ about Thika Palm Tree
8.)Thika Palm Tree prices
The Thika Palm Tree scientifically known as Filicium decipiens and commonly as the Japanese Fern Tree, is an evergreen tree belonging to the family Sapindaceae.
Image of David Ndatha and Team planting Thika palm trees
Although its name suggests a fern-like appearance, Filicium decipiens is not a fern but a flowering tree. It is native to parts of East Africa Highlands, Indian Ocean islands, such as Madagascar, as well as to Sri Lanka and India.
Image of a 6 feet Thika Palm Seedling by Gracy Gituku
Due to its graceful foliage, durability, and ease of maintenance, Filicium decipiens has become a popular ornamental tree in tropical and subtropical landscapes around the world, especially in urban environments.
Image of Thika Palm Tree seedlings
Filicium decipiens is a slow-growing, medium-sized tree that typically reaches heights of 10 to 15 meters (30 to 50 feet) at maturity, although under optimal conditions, it can grow up to 20 meters (65 feet). The tree is characterized by its dense, umbrella-shaped crown, which offers extensive shade.
Image of Filicium decipiens at a park
The trunk is straight and cylindrical, covered with rough, dark-brown to grayish bark that may develop shallow fissures as the tree matures. Its wood is moderately hard, giving the tree structural stability and making it resistant to wind and storms.
Image of Uhuru Kenyatta planting Japanese fern tree
The most distinctive feature of Filicium decipiens is its fern-like, pinnately compound leaves, which give the tree its common name. Each leaf consists of numerous leaflets that are lanceolate or oblong in shape, typically ranging from 5 to 10 cm in length. The leaflets are deep green, glossy, and have entire margins (smooth edges), contributing to the plant’s attractive appearance. The leaf arrangement is alternate, and the leaves themselves are leathery and firm, adapted to withstand harsh sunlight in tropical climates.
Thika Palm Tree Common Names
The Thika Palm Tree is referred to as Kamiti in Kikuyu Language
The flowering of Filicium decipiens is relatively inconspicuous, with small, greenish-white flowers that appear in dense, axillary clusters. These flowers are not particularly showy and are primarily pollinated by insects. The tree produces fruit in the form of small, brown, globose drupes (stone fruits), about 1 to 2 cm in diameter. The fruits typically appear after the flowering season and contain one or two seeds. While the fruits are not widely consumed by humans, they are often eaten by birds and other wildlife, making the tree ecologically significant as a food source for local fauna.
Distribution and Habitat of the Japanese Fern Tree
Filicium decipiens is native to the Indian Ocean region, with populations found in countries like Sri Lanka, India, and Madagascar. It thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, where it can grow in a variety of habitats, including coastal areas, lowland rainforests, and even mountainous regions. The tree is highly adaptable to different soil types, although it prefers well-drained, loamy soils with moderate fertility. It can tolerate some degree of drought, but optimal growth occurs in regions with moderate to high rainfall.
Image of Filicium decipiens seedlings
Because of its tolerance to salt spray, Filicium decipiens is commonly planted in coastal regions. Its adaptability to urban environments, where pollution and compacted soils are common, also makes it an excellent choice for city landscapes. In many parts of the world, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, Filicium decipiens has been introduced as an ornamental tree in parks, gardens, and along streets, where it is valued for its aesthetic appeal and shade-providing canopy.
Uses of Thika Palm Tree
Ornamental Use
Image of Thika palm seedlings
The primary use of Filicium decipiens is as an ornamental tree in landscapes and gardens. Its fern-like foliage and dense, spreading canopy make it a favorite for providing shade in public parks, private gardens, and along roadsides. The tree’s graceful appearance and manageable size make it suitable for both large and small spaces. In urban environments, Filicium decipiens is often planted as a street tree because it does not have an overly invasive root system, which makes it less likely to damage sidewalks and infrastructure.
Image of Thika palm seedling at a park
In addition to its practical use for shade, the tree’s foliage remains green throughout the year, adding to its aesthetic value. It is often pruned and shaped to create a more formal appearance in landscape designs, making it popular in commercial and residential properties alike. In tropical resorts, the tree is commonly used to create a lush, green environment, enhancing the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Image of Thika Palm by Vincent Oyuke
Thika Palm tree is highly efficient at absorbing carbon dioxide, which makes it a valuable addition to urban forestry projects aimed at combating climate change. Its dense foliage also acts as a natural air filter, trapping dust and particulate matter, which contributes to cleaner air in cities. Moreover, the shade provided by Filicium decipiens helps cool the surrounding area, reducing the heat island effect commonly found in urban centers.
The tree's adaptability to various soil conditions and its resistance to pests and diseases makes it a low-maintenance option for reforestation and afforestation projects. Its ability to grow in poor soil and tolerate drought conditions makes it particularly valuable in areas that are prone to desertification or have degraded soils.
The bark of the Japanese Fern Tree is sometimes used in poultices to treat wounds and skin conditions, while decoctions made from the leaves are believed to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
It should be noted, however, that the medicinal uses of Filicium decipiens have not been extensively studied in modern scientific research, and its pharmacological potential remains largely unexplored. The limited use of the tree in traditional medicine suggests that more research could be done to investigate its potential as a source of natural compounds with medicinal value.
Timber and Wood Products
Image of a japanese fern tree by Widson Ambiasi
Although Filicium decipiens is not primarily grown for timber, its wood is moderately hard and durable, making it suitable for use in small-scale woodworking and construction. In some regions, the wood is used to make furniture, tool handles, and other small wooden objects. However, due to the tree’s slow growth rate and its primary value as an ornamental plant, it is not commonly harvested for timber on a large scale.
How To Grow a Thika Palm Tree
Image of japanese fern tree seedling
Filicium decipiens is relatively easy to grow and care for, making it a popular choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. The tree is best grown in full sun to partial shade and thrives in well-drained, loamy soils. It can tolerate a range of soil pH levels, although it prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils.
Image of residents planting Thika palm tree along Southern Bypass
Once established, the tree is relatively drought-tolerant, although regular watering is recommended during the first few years of growth to help the tree establish a strong root system.
Pruning is not strictly necessary for Filicium decipiens, but it can be pruned to maintain a desired shape or size, especially in formal gardens or urban settings. The tree responds well to light pruning, and its slow growth rate means that it does not require frequent maintenance. Fertilization can help promote healthy growth, particularly in nutrient-poor soils, though Filicium decipiens is generally not a heavy feeder and can thrive with minimal inputs.
Disease affecting Thika Palm Trees
Pest and disease problems are rare with Filicium decipiens, making it a low-maintenance option for landscapes. However, in some areas, the tree may be susceptible to scale insects or fungal diseases, particularly in overly humid environments or where air circulation is poor. Regular monitoring and appropriate cultural practices, such as proper spacing and pruning, can help prevent these issues.
FAQ about Thika Palm Tree
Image of a Thika Palm Seedling by Irene Kariuki Kariuki
Gracy Gituku | 6 feet 750ksh |
Irene Kariuki Kariuki | 300Ksh |
Benard Gichane | 4.5 feet 400Ksh |
Caren Muthoni | 500 Ksh |
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