Markhamia Lutea

The African Tulip.

Markhamia Lutea, also known as Mung’wani (Meru) is a fast-growing tree indigenous to East Africa. It is characterized by its wide leaves and big trumpet shaped flowers, hence the name African Tulip. Markamia trees are planted for their timber, which is termite resistant and can be harvested in fifteen to twenty years though the tree can live up to thirty years. Trees planted for timber should be planted with a spacing of two metres between plants.

The tree is highly adaptable to extreme weather conditions and is one of the most common tree species grown in Kenya, especially in Western Kenya.

In many African communities extracts from the tree such as the leaves, bark, roots and flowers are used as herbal treatment for various ailments including skin conditions, anaemia and even dysentery (this is not medical advice).In some instances, the tree can be used as an ornamental.

Markamia trees do well across all parts of Kenya from the coast to Marsabit. Planting ready tree seedlings are available at our nursery in Gitoro, Meru. You can contact us through 0721661410 or biternnurseries@gmail.com