African Mahogany (Khaya Senegalensis)
This is a massive evergreen tree that can grow up to 30 meter tall with a trunk of 3 meter girth supporting a rounded crown. The wood oozes a pale greenish yellow to golden yellow gun-kino when slashed. Leaves are large pinnate compound and arranged spirally in tufts at the end of twigs. Flowers are unisexual small and in large loose bunches. Fruits are large woody capsules, containing flattened narrowly winged seeds.
The ‘senegalensis’ refers to its origin in Senegal, Africa. The tree originates from the drier parts of tropical Africa, from Senegal to Sudan and Uganda. The wood known as African mahogany, was exported from West Africa on a commercial basis in the early part of the 19th century. It was so heavily exploited that the tree became scarce in places like Ivory Coast. The wood is attractively figured and used in high
grade carpentry and joinery and makes good charcoal. The bark is extremely bitter and used as a substitute in parts of Africa. It is also taken as a strong emetic and purgative. Young twigs are used as toothbrushes in Sudan
The ‘senegalensis’ refers to its origin in Senegal, Africa. The tree originates from the drier parts of tropical Africa, from Senegal to Sudan and Uganda. The wood known as African mahogany, was exported from West Africa on a commercial basis in the early part of the 19th century. It was so heavily exploited that the tree became scarce in places like Ivory Coast. The wood is attractively figured and used in high
grade carpentry and joinery and makes good charcoal. The bark is extremely bitter and used as a substitute in parts of Africa. It is also taken as a strong emetic and purgative. Young twigs are used as toothbrushes in Sudan