Entandrophragma angolense aka Edinam

Entandrophragma angolense, or tiama mahogany, is a large tropical tree. It belongs to the Meliaceae family and sheds its leaves. Its native range spans much of tropical Africa. It extends from Guinea and Sierra Leone east to Sudan. The range also reaches Angola and Kenya to the south. It grows in moist forests, including forests that shed some leaves. It also occurs in evergreen forest, riverside woodland, and thickets.

This slow-growing tree can reach 164 feet [50 metres] tall. Some wild trees reach 197 feet [60 metres]. PFAF lists a spread of 98 feet [30 metres]. The crown is open above a long, straight trunk. Useful Tropical Plants records trunks about 6.6 feet [2 metres] thick. PFAF gives a larger trunk width of 16 feet [5 metres]. Large buttresses brace the base and may join surface roots. The pale grey bark starts smooth and sheds flakes. Flowers range from white to yellow, and the fruit is a capsule. Male and female flowers grow on separate trees.

This tree needs the warmth of the moist tropics. PFAF gives USDA hardiness zones 10–12. It accepts sandy, loamy, or clay soils with good drainage. Soil should hold moisture without staying waterlogged. It tolerates mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soil. Growth is best with annual rainfall of 1,600–1,800 millimetres. Heavier rain, above 2,300 millimetres, can reduce growth. Young seedlings need shade and fare poorly in full sun. Give them more light by degrees as they grow. Small forest gaps provide good light for young plants.

People plant this tree along roads and in crop plantations. It gives shade to banana, coffee, and tea plants. Its timber serves light building work, veneers, and musical instruments. The wood is fairly soft and has moderate natural durability. Wood shavings can also supply a yellow dye. Heavy harvest from wild trees has put pressure on the species. Useful Tropical Plants cites a Vulnerable Red List assessment from 2009.

Traditional healers use the bark for fever and pain. They also apply it to swellings, ulcers, and eye complaints. These records describe traditional use, not proof of safe treatment. PFAF lists the seeds as edible but gives no preparation details. Both plant-use sources report no known hazards; this does not establish safety. Stored seeds are prone to insect damage. Fresh seed loses its ability to sprout quite fast in open storage.