Afzelia africana aka African Mahogany
Taxonomy ID: 20044
Afzelia africana, commonly known as African mahogany, afzelia, or doussié, is a large deciduous tree native to tropical West and Central Africa, ranging from Senegal east through Sudan and south to the Democratic Republic of Congo. It belongs to the family Fabaceae and can reach 10–30 metres in height, with a trunk diameter of up to 100–170 cm in mature specimens. The tree develops a spreading, open crown and bright green pinnate leaves approximately 30 cm long, composed of 7–17 pairs of elliptic to ovate leaflets. Flowers are white or greenish-white with red or pink striping and are borne in panicles. The fruits are dark brown to black shiny seed pods containing black seeds surrounded by edible orange arils.
The species inhabits humid and dry forests, tree savannahs, forest galleries, and semi-deciduous forests across 18 African countries. It is considered a myrmecophyte — a plant associated with ants — and is capable of nitrogen fixation through its leaf litter. It resprouts when cut back and can tolerate occasional soil inundation, though it is not fire-tolerant in all conditions.
Afzelia africana is assessed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, a status attributed largely to over-exploitation for the international timber trade. Its heartwood — golden-brown to light red-brown with darker veins — is highly valued for its resistance to decay and termites and has been used historically for shipbuilding, cabinetwork, joinery, and the construction of djembe drums.
The tree has modest edibility: the fleshy pulp surrounding the seeds within the pod is sweet and edible raw, and young leaves are occasionally cooked as vegetables. The seeds themselves are poisonous and must not be consumed. Sawdust can irritate the respiratory tract, and the bark contains compounds with fish poison activity. In traditional West African medicine, the bark, leaves, and roots are used to treat a broad range of conditions including malaria, rheumatism, paralysis, leprosy, gonorrhea, and various digestive complaints.
Common names
African Mahogany, AfzeliaMore information about African Mahogany
How difficult is it to grow African Mahogany?
Afzelia africana is a large tropical tree suited to outdoor cultivation in frost-free climates (USDA zones 10–12). It requires full sun and well-drained fertile soil, and is not appropriate as a houseplant or for temperate indoor cultivation. Young trees tolerate light shade during establishment. Given its specialized tropical requirements, it is considered challenging to grow outside its native range.
How big does African Mahogany get?
Afzelia africana typically grows 10–25 metres tall with some specimens reaching 30 metres. Trunk diameter can reach 100–170 cm at maturity. It has a medium growth rate and develops a broad, spreading, open crown. Seeds germinate rapidly — 100% germination can be achieved within 14 days at 25°C when seeds are scarified.
How often should you water African Mahogany?
Afzelia africana prefers moist to wet soil conditions, thriving with 1,200–1,800 mm of annual rainfall, though it tolerates a range of 1,000–2,500 mm. The tree can tolerate occasional soil inundation and is moderately drought-tolerant once established in its native savanna habitats.
What soil does African Mahogany need?
The tree grows best in fertile, deep sandy soils at a pH of 5.5–6.5, though it tolerates a range of pH 5–7. It adapts to sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as well as lateritic soils common in its native range. Good drainage is preferred except during short periods of inundation.
What temperature does African Mahogany prefer?
Afzelia africana grows best at 20–32°C and tolerates a range of 10–40°C. It is frost-tender and suited to USDA hardiness zones 10–12. It is not tolerant of freezing temperatures.
What do African Mahogany flowers look like?
The flowers of Afzelia africana are white or greenish-white with red or pink stripes and are arranged in panicles. The tree is deciduous and flowering is associated with seasonal leaf flush in its tropical habitat.
How does seasonal care work for African Mahogany?
As a deciduous tropical tree, Afzelia africana sheds its leaves seasonally. New leaves emerge with a characteristic reddish or coppery flush. In cultivation within its native range, minimal seasonal intervention is needed; in marginal climates, protection from any cold or frost during cooler months is essential.
How do you grow African Mahogany outdoors?
Afzelia africana is exclusively an outdoor tree, native to tropical West and Central Africa. It grows in lowland moist and dry forests, savannahs, and forest-fringe habitats up to 900 m elevation. It requires full sun (young trees tolerate light shade), fertile soil, and a frost-free climate in USDA zones 10–12. Annual rainfall of 1,200–1,800 mm is optimal.
How do you propagate African Mahogany?
Afzelia africana is propagated by seed. Scarification of seeds (nicking or soaking) significantly accelerates germination, which begins in approximately 8 days at 25°C and reaches 100% by day 14. Smaller seeds germinate faster, while larger seeds tend to produce seedlings with higher subsequent growth rates.
Can you eat African Mahogany?
The fleshy orange aril (pulp) surrounding the seeds inside the pod is sweet and can be eaten raw. Young leaves are occasionally cooked and eaten as a vegetable in West Africa. The seeds themselves are poisonous and should not be consumed. Seeds contain approximately 27–31% oil and are being researched for industrial food applications (seed flour and oil) but are not safe for direct consumption.
What are the medicinal uses of African Mahogany?
In traditional West African medicine, Afzelia africana is used to treat a wide range of conditions. Bark decoctions are used for malaria, rheumatism, paralysis, and internal bleeding. The plant is considered analgesic, antihaemorrhagic, febrifuge, and laxative. Other recorded applications include treatment of leprosy, lumbago, hernias, gonorrhea, constipation, edema, and stomach complaints. The plant is also used as an aphrodisiac, emetic, and emmenagogue in various traditions.
What are other uses of African Mahogany?
Afzelia africana is one of West Africa's most prized timber species. The heartwood is highly resistant to decay and termites, making it suitable for shipbuilding, construction, joinery, paneling, cabinetwork, cooperage, and as a mahogany substitute. It was used historically in medieval shipbuilding and in the construction of djembe drums. Burnt seed pods are rich in potash and used for soap manufacturing. Seeds contain ~31% oil used in industrial applications; bark provides tannins. Dried seedpods serve as musical rattles and seeds are used as decorative beads. The tree is also used in agroforestry, as its nitrogen-rich leaf litter improves soil fertility.
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