PRUNUS AFRICANA (VU) (MNGIMA)

Prunus africana, also known as African cherry or Pygeum, (Mngima)

The Prunus africana (VU), also known as the Mngima tree, is found in the Taita Hills, specifically in areas like Chawia Forest, Ngangao Forest, Mbololo Forest and Sagalla Hills Forest in Voi. These hills are located in Taita Taveta County, Kenya, and are part of the Eastern Arc Mountains.

The Prunus africana

The Taita Hills are known for their biodiversity and are a focal site for regional conservation efforts. Prunus Africana (VU), also known as African cherry or Pygeum, (Mngima) is a tree species classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List. This means it faces a high risk of extinction in the wild.

Wamzedu Botanical:

At Wamzedu Botanical Garden (SHG), we have a nursery bed of 3,200 (Three thousand, two hundred) tree seedlings of Prunus africana (VU) (Mngima) which is located at Wamzedu Botanical Garden (SHG) in Kwenjallo, Sagalla. This is so to prevent the plant from becoming extinct in the wild and in its natural habitat.

Uses

Bark: The bark contains compounds with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that is primarly used in traditional and alternative medicine for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) as well as for various gastrointestinal, respiratory and urinary disorders.
• Wood: Used for flooring, construction, and other applications.
• Soil Improver: Its leaves can be used as mulch or green manure.
The information about Prunus africana being used for prostate cancer treatment (mentioned in one of the search results) is not entirely conclusive and requires further research, according to a blog from Shop Nanjala.

PROPAGATION

Prunus africana (VU), also known as Mgima tree, can be propagated through both seeds and vegetative methods like cuttings. For seeds, collect them from ripe fruits, remove the pulp, and sow them in a well-drained nursery medium. Wildings (naturally occurring seedlings) can also be collected and planted. Cuttings, taken from selected trees, can be induced to root in a propagator with a suitable medium.
• Seed Collection: Collect fruits from healthy trees, especially those with dark red to brown fruits, as they germinate better than green ones.
• Seed Preparation: Remove the pulp from the fruits and clean the seeds. Soaking the seeds for 24 hours can help soften the seed coat.
• Sowing: Sow the seeds in a nursery bed with a well-drained medium, such as peat or decomposed sawdust. Planting depth is typically around 2 cm.
• Germination: Seeds typically germinate within 50 to 90 days.
• Nursery Care: Seedlings need 40% shade initially and should be transplanted into polythene bags (1 liter) once they are large enough.
• Collection: Look for naturally occurring seedlings (wildings) around mature trees.
• Transplanting: Carefully transplant the wildings to a nursery bed or directly into planting bags, ensuring good drainage and adequate moisture.

Prunus Africana

A picture of fully grown Prunus Africana

from Wamzedu Botanical Garden Nursery Bed

A picture of Prunus African at Wamzedu Botanical Garden Nursery bed

Sagalla - 2025