Trichilia emetica aka Christmas Bells

Trichilia emetica, or Cape mahogany, belongs to the Meliaceae family. Its native range spans tropical and southern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It grows in both dry and moist tropical regions. Riverbank forests and woodlands form part of its habitat. It also occurs in swamps, mountain forests, and savannah. Trees grow from sea level to about 5,900 feet [1,800 metres].

This tree stays evergreen or sheds its leaves for a short time. Young trees have a pyramid-shaped crown. The crown grows broad and round as trees age. Published heights range from about 49–69 feet [15–21 metres]. Some trees reach 98 feet [30 metres]. The trunk widens at its base and may develop deep grooves. Its straight main stem can reach 2.6 feet [0.8 metres] across. Bees and sunbirds pollinate the flowers. Under good conditions, trees first bear fruit at six to eight years.

Cape mahogany grows fast in warm conditions. Reported yearly height gains reach 3.3–6.6 feet [1–2 metres]. It grows in sun or shade. It prefers rich alluvial or sandy soil that drains well. A high water table suits it, though established trees withstand drought well. Its best reported daytime temperature range is 19–31°C. Growers can raise it from fresh seed, cuttings, layers, or root suckers. Fresh seeds sprout in about 10–20 days. Seedlings can move to their planting site after six to eight months.

People plant this tree along streets and in gardens for shade. Its broad crown also shades parking areas. People gather it from the wild for food, medicine, and useful materials. Some growers raise it for seed oil. Oil from the fleshy seed covering has food uses. It also serves as a wood finish. Kernel oil supplies material for candles. Oil drawn from both seed parts goes into soap.

Food uses need care because the seed coat is highly poisonous. Sources report eating seeds only after removing this coat. People also use the fleshy covering for drinks and cooking oil. The bitter kernel oil is not edible. Traditional remedies use the leaves, bark, and roots for several ailments. Bark preparations can cause violent effects, so these uses carry risks. The evidence gives no specific pest, disease, or cold-hardiness guidance.