Plants

African Mahogany

Scientific Name

Khaya senegalensis

Other Common Name(s)

Dry Zone Mahogany, Senegal Mahogany, Benin Mahogany

Height

Up to 30 m

Flowering Season

March to May

Fruiting Season

June

Reproduction

Pollinated by bees and moths. Seeds dispersed by wind.

Looking up at a large tree with textured bark, branches, green leaves, and ferns against a bright sky.

Fun Facts

To anchor the tree and maximise water absorption, African mahogany has a strong taproot that grows quickly and penetrates deep into the soil. This enables the tree to withstand droughts and strong wind.

In West Africa, African mahogany is important for the culture and economy of the Fulani people. They harvest the foliage for feeding cattle. The milk obtained from the cows is either consumed or sold in local markets as a source of income.

Close-up of green leaves with visible veins

Distribution

Tropical Africa, including countries such as Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria and Uganda

Threats & Conservation

Threats or Importance

Overexploitation of Biological Resources

African mahogany provides nectar and pollen for honeybees. This tree species is overexploited for timber, medicine and fodder. Apart from heavy local consumption, it is also popular in international trade. The decline of this species would not only have an ecological impact, but also threaten the livelihood of local communities.