Afzelia africana

Afzelia africana is a tree species of the family Fabaceae, native to tropical Africa. It is commonly known as African mahogany or African oak, among other names. The tree is highly valued for its durable hardwood, which is used in the construction and furniture industries.

Description

Afzelia africana is a large deciduous tree that can reach up to 30-40 meters in height. The bark is grey to brown, rough and fissured. The leaves are pinnate, with 6-12 pairs of leaflets. The flowers are small, yellowish-white, and arranged in loose spikes. The fruit is a large, woody pod containing 1-12 seeds.

Distribution and habitat

Afzelia africana is widely distributed across tropical Africa, from Senegal in the west to Sudan in the east, and south to Angola and Mozambique. It is found in a variety of habitats, including savannah woodland, dry forest, and gallery forest.

Uses

The wood of Afzelia africana is highly valued for its durability and resistance to termites and fungi. It is used in the construction industry for making doors, windows, and flooring, and in the furniture industry for making high-quality furniture. The tree is also used for medicinal purposes in traditional African medicine.

Conservation

Afzelia africana is listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The main threats to the species are habitat loss due to deforestation and overexploitation for timber.

See also

• List of Afzelia species
• Tropical hardwood

External links

• IUCN Red List - Afzelia africana
• World Agroforestry Centre - Afzelia africana

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