Khaya anthotheca

Khaya anthotheca

Khaya anthotheca

Khaya anthotheca tree

Khaya anthotheca, commonly known as the African mahogany, is a species of tree in the Meliaceae family. It is native to tropical Africa and is found in countries such as Angola, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.

Description

Khaya anthotheca is a large deciduous tree that can grow up to 40-50 meters in height. The trunk is straight and cylindrical, often buttressed at the base, with a diameter that can reach up to 2 meters. The bark is greyish-brown and smooth when young, becoming scaly and fissured with age. The leaves are pinnate, with 4-6 pairs of leaflets that are dark green and glossy on the upper surface and paler underneath.

Habitat

This species thrives in lowland tropical rainforests, riverine forests, and sometimes in mixed deciduous forests. It prefers well-drained soils and can be found at altitudes ranging from sea level to 1,200 meters.

Uses

Khaya anthotheca is highly valued for its timber, which is commonly referred to as African mahogany. The wood is reddish-brown, durable, and resistant to termites, making it ideal for furniture, flooring, paneling, and boat building. Additionally, the bark and leaves have medicinal properties and are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.

Conservation Status

The species is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and over-exploitation for its valuable timber. Conservation efforts are underway to ensure sustainable harvesting and to protect its natural habitat.

Cultivation

Khaya anthotheca can be propagated from seeds, which should be sown in a well-drained seedbed. The seedlings require partial shade and regular watering until they are well established. The tree is also grown in plantations for timber production.

Related Species

Khaya anthotheca is closely related to other species in the Khaya genus, including Khaya senegalensis, Khaya grandifoliola, and Khaya ivorensis.

See Also

• Meliaceae
• Mahogany
• Tropical rainforest
• Sustainable forestry