Majidea zanquebarica

Mgambo Tree, Zanzibar Soapberry, Black Pearl Tree, Velvet-Seed Tree, and the Maui Mink Tree.

This tree produces panicles with dense clusters of tiny light green, fragrant flowers that develop into three-lobed seed capsules. When the fruit splits open, the plant becomes a show piece. The pod reveals a bright red interior where round dark grey velvety seeds are nestled. These remarkable features remain on the tree for several months. The seeds are often used to make lovely jewelry and the red pods offer attractive additions to bouquets or potpourris.

Majidea zangueberica is native to tropical east Africa and is a member of the Sapindaceae or Soapberry family. Its close relatives include rambutan, longan, lychee and the indigenous Hawaiian aalii.

The Swahili word mgambo means “announcement” or “proclamation” and it also refers to the showy fruit and seeds the tree produces. The first mgambo probably arrived here from Sri Lanka in the early 1960s and several large specimens can be found on Oahu with a few smaller ones reportedly here on the Big Island.  from seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be placed in hot water and soaked for 24 hours to prepare them for planting. Best in a spot in full sun that gets regular watering. Mgambo can tolerate some drought and will stay smaller where the water supply is limited. Healthy mgambo trees are not usually vulnerable to diseases or insect attacks. Occasional whiteflies or spider mites may appear and can be treated with a sprayed combination of neem oil and safer soap mixed in water.