KFEET at 15:
KFEET at 15:
This week, KFEET was carpeted in purple, a breathtaking sight created by the Jacaranda trees shedding their blossoms across our compound. Inspired by this seasonal spectacle, we decided to take a closer look at a few of the iconic species gracing our grounds, and uncover some fascinating facts about them.
Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia)
Jacaranda mimosifolia, originally from South America, is an exotic species that was introduced to Kenya in the early 1920s with the purpose being to beautify the emerging settlements. A century later, these trees have become a familiar and beloved part of the Nairobi landscape. Deciduous in nature, Jacarandas burst into a vibrant display of purple blooms each October, before carpeting the ground with their fallen flowers about a month later. As the blossoms fade, the tree rejuvenates by sprouting fresh leaves and seed pods as it prepares for the next flowering season. Jacarandas typically grow to heights of around 10meters, with some getting up to heights of 15 meters, or even more. They have an average lifespan of around 50 years.
Pride of Bolivia (Tipuana tipu)
Not to be outdone by the Jacaranda’s purple show, the tipuana tipu, commonly known as the Pride of Bolivia, has been adding its own golden touch to KFEET. This exotic, semi-deciduous species, native to Bolivia, has recently shed its brilliant yellow blossoms, adding a warm hue to the forest floor. The tipuana typically grows to heights 15-20 meters when fully mature, though in ideal conditions, it can reach an impressive 30 meters.
Calistemon citrinus (Bottlebrush)
The common name “bottlebrush” is really a fitting description for the unique and distinctive red flowers of the Calistemon citrinus, which is also currently in bloom within our grounds. Some bottlebrush species may have pink, mauve or even white flowers. This exotic species is native to Australia, but can also be found in temperate and subtropical regions. The evergreen bottlebrush commonly grows up as a shrub to heights of between 3 – 5 metres, but has been known to reach heights of up to 20 metres in some climates, especially when grown as a trained tree. It is a hardy and fast-growing plant.
Markhamia lutea
The Markhamia, also known as the Nile Tulip, or “Muu” in Kikuyu is an indigenous tropical African tree found in Kenya and other African countries like Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast and The Democratic Republic of Congo. The tree can grow to heights of up to 30 meters tall, and local communities have long used its medicinal roots and leaves for the treatment of various ailments. When in bloom, as it is now, its flowers are bright yellow and “trumpet-shaped”, with red/orange stripes on the inside of the flowers. This drought-resistant tree is often found around homesteads, beloved because of the beautifying effect of its distinctive blossoms.
By Julie Kimutai,
Manager, KFEET
The Karura Forest Environmental Education Trust — KFEET — was established in 2010 to promote environmental education and provide a centre for learning about forest ecosystems.
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