Trees

Acacia/Vachellia xanthophloea (Fever Tree)

Attractive, semi-deciduous, tall, fast-growing, distinctive, smooth lime-green branches and stem, bark is slightly flaking, powdery surface
Full sun, Partial shade, Average water to moist, Deep, fertile, sandy soil, 10 – 15 metres tall, Evergreen if watered through winter, Fast growing, Non-aggressive roots, Improves soil fertility by nitrogen fixation

Adansonia digitata (Baobab tree)

Massive long-lived, deciduous tree, edible white, powdery, dry pulp around seeds very rich in vitamin C and B2, roots, leaves, fruit,  bark, sprouts and flowers are edible
Full sun, well-draining soil, very drought tolerant, water sparingly during winter,  largest succulent plant in the world, 15 to 20 m tall

Cassia spectabilis (Crown of Gold)

Spectacular ornamental tree for gardens and parks, Street and driveway liner, Spectacular in flower during autumn and early winter
Full sun, Average water, drought tolerant, Any soil,8 to 10 m high, Deciduous, Average to fast growing speed, Root system is not aggressive

Ceiba speciosa (Pink Kapok Tree)

This tree is a standout! Spectacular when in full bloom, yields large fuchsia to near burgundy, Hibiscus-like flowers, fast growing, eventually develops a large rounded crown and grey bottle-shaped trunk, usually covered in large thorns but some trees may be thornless, attracts hummingbirds and bees
Full sun, any well-drained soil, average water, moderately drought resistant once well-established, needs lots of space to spread, both above ground and below ground, large root system, not suitable to plant close to sidewalks and foundations, can grow 16 m tall

Cupressus sempervirens (Italian cypress)

Extremely popular evergreen tree, of the top trees to increase your property value, tall and narrow, perfect for tight spaces, used for framing, as a strong accent around large buildings, frame the entrance of homes or driveways, line a long driveway, privacy screen between properties,  long-lived 
Full sun, well-drained soil, average to low water needs, moderately drought resistant,  can be planted close to your home as they are unlikely to cause foundation problems, grows 15 m tall

Delonix regia (Flamboyant Tree)

Semi-deciduous or evergreen if watered through dry season, Striking red flowers in spring, wide spreading crown provides dappled shade
Full sun, Average water, drought tolerant, Any soil, 6 – 9 metres tall, Semi-deciduous, Fast growing, Extensive and far-reaching root system

Dombeya rotundifolia (Wild pear tree)

Semi-deciduous, spectacular show of white flowers in spring, perfect for small city gardens, excellent avenue tree, various medicinal uses
Full sun, deep loose compost-rich soil, water adequately for the first 2 years, it is not related to pear trees but the flowers resemble pear blossoms, non-aggressive root system

Ficus abutilifolia (Large leaf fig)

Spectacular tree for very large gardens and parks, beautiful, large, hairy, heart-shaped leaves, spreading crown, pale trunk with flaky bark
Full sun, Average water, drought tolerant, Any soil, 10 – 15 metres tall, Deciduous, Fast growing, Extensive root system, Attracts large number of birds during fruiting season, Vigorous and aggressive root system, National monument in Kabwe

Ficus benjamina (Weeping Fig)

Popular landscape tree for parks and large gardens, gracefully arching branches, dense crown, excellent indoor container plant
Full sun, tolerant of low light conditions, Average water, Any loose soil, 20 – 30 metres tall, Evergreen, Fast growing, Vigorous and aggressive root system

Ficus benjamina Variegata (Variegated Weeping Fig)

Popular landscape tree for parks and large gardens, gracefully arching branches, dense crown, excellent indoor container plant
Full sun, tolerant of low light conditions, Average water, Any loose soil, 20 – 30 metres tall, Evergreen, Fast growing, Vigorous and aggressive root system

Ficus burkei (Strangler Fig)

Dark green spreading crown, fast-growing, evergreen or briefly deciduous, attracts masses of fruit-eating birds when in full fruiting
Full sun to shade, Average water, drought tolerant, keep moist while young, Any soil, 15 to 18 m tall, Evergreen in wetter habitats, briefly deciduous in drier climates, Fast growing, Massive root system, not suitable as a street tree or near buildings, The strangler fig is not a parasite

Ficus sycomorus (Sycamore Fig/Mukuyu Tree)

Beautiful yellow-green bark, Fruit attracts a host of birds species, Wild animals and livestock eat the fruits and leaves, Very useful tree,  improves infiltration rate and water-holding capacity of the soil
Full sun, Average water, drought tolerant, Any soil, 15 to 20 metres tall, Deciduous, Fast growing, Massive root system, not suitable as a street tree or near buildings

Jacaranda mimosifolia (Jacaranda Tree)

Deciduous, striking, ornamental tree, Beautiful purple-blue flowers during Spring and Early Summer, large, spreading crown
Full sun, Average water, drought tolerant, Any soil, 10 – 15 metres tall, Deciduous, Fast growing, Extensive root system

Khaya nyasica (Red mahogany)

A large, fairly fast-growing, evergreen tree, The wood is dark, hard, reddish brown and durable, suitable for furniture, flooring, panelling, and excellent for boat building, moderately heavy (air dry 620 kg/m 3), with an attractive grain. Harvesting begins within 16 years. Popular as a source of firewood and charcoal. Charcoal made from red mahogany wood has a long burning time with a gentle and steady heat. Red mahogany is perfect for using in integrated farming systems for crop production. Leaves and twig litter decomposition improve soil fertility and organic matter status of the soils that lead to an improvement in crop yield output.
Suitable to grow in most soil types, also tolerant of swampy soils. The wood weathers well and is resistant to borers and termites.

Kigelia africana (Sausage Tree)

Large deciduous tree, spreading canopy, stunning large maroon-red flowers, variety of medicinal uses for livestock as well as humans
Full sun, any well-draining soil, moderate watering, 10 to 18 m tall,  deciduous,  choose plant position with care as falling fruit can severely damage anything underneath it

Ochroma pyramidale (Balsa Tree)

A large, extremely fast-growing tree, Balsa wood is the softest of all the hardwood, and super lightweight, one of the lightest varieties of wood available, but remarkably strong, it is considered the strongest wood for its weight in the world, used in model-building, packing, flotation devices, insulation lining for incubators, refrigerators and cold storage rooms, wind turbine blades, table tennis rackets, hobby and craft projects, toys, doll houses, doll furniture, carving and whittling. Balsa wood is lighter than cork and thus ideal for life preservers and lifebelts, wooden crankbaits for fishing, especially Rapala lures and floats for fishing nets and lines. Excellent for making biochar has great water holding capacity. Harvest in 8 to 9 years.
Balsa is a pioneer species that thrives on abandoned land, recommended for the recovery of degraded areas and soil improvements. Fast leaf turnover increases the soil organic matter content. The flowers provide abundant food for bats, birds and several insects. The seed fibre is used as stuffing for mattresses and cushions. In aeronautic modelling, Balsa Wood is very much in demand as it is a perfect wood that can easily withstand crash landings and does not cause any major damage. Valued as a component of full-sized light wooden airplanes.

Olea europaea ssp africana (African olive)

Neatly shaped evergreen tree, grey-green foliage, fruits are popular with people, monkeys, baboons, bush pigs, warthogs and birds, Stabilize erosion ditches
Full sun, Average water, drought tolerant, Any soil, 8 to 10 m high, Evergreen, Average growing speed, Roots are only slightly aggressive

Rotheca glabrum (Tinderwood Tree)

Semi-evergreen, attractive flowers, dense crown, leaves used as a natural insect repellent, used to repel bees when collecting honey, berries attract birds
Full sun to Partial shade, Average water, drought tolerant, Any rich, well-drained soil, 6 to 8 m high, Semi-deciduous, Fast growing, Non-invasive roots, Flowers attract butterflies and bees, Berries are eaten by numerous bird species, and game and livestock consume the leaves.

Spathodea campanulata (African Tulip Tree)

Popular ornamental tree for large gardens and parks, beautiful orange-red tulip-like flowers in spring and summer, very long flowering period
Full sun, Average water, Rich well-drained soil, 15 to 20 m high, Evergreen if watered through winter, Fast growing, Potentially destructive roots, plant some distance away from buildings

Terminalia mantaly (Umbrella Tree)

Beautiful crown with layers of branches, very popular tree for city gardens, sidewalks, parking areas, Evergreen if watered during winter and dry season
Full sun, Average water, drought tolerant, Well-drained, medium to light soil, 10 m tall, Evergreen if watered through winter and dry season, Average to fast growing, Non invasive root system

Trichilia emetica (Musikili tree/Natal Mahogany)

Dense shade tree used in large gardens and parks, also a popular street liner, Makes a terrific indoor plant if placed near bright light
Full sun to Partial shade, Average water, Compost-rich, well-drained soil, 20 to 25 m tall, Evergreen, Moderate growing speed, Non-invasive roots, Popular wood for woodcarving in eastern and southern Africa