African mahogany (Afzelia africana, Syn. Pl. 1: 455 (1805))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: Sm. ex Pers.

Bibliography: Syn. Pl. 1: 455 (1805)

Year: 1805

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Afzelia

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. Trop. Africa to Uganda

Description

African mahogany, scientifically known as Afzelia africana, is a prominent species belonging to the family Fabaceae. This majestic tree is predominantly found across West Tropical Africa, spanning regions up to Uganda. Renowned for its robust wood and versatile applications, Afzelia africana is highly cherished in both local and international markets.

The tree typically thrives in tropical climates, where it benefits from the warm temperatures and abundant rainfall. Growing up to impressive heights, African mahogany is appreciated not only for its canopy that provides shade but also for its ecological importance in sustaining various forms of wildlife.

A key feature of Afzelia africana is its dense, reddish-brown heartwood that is celebrated for its durability and resistance to decay. This has made it a popular choice for high-quality timber, used in furniture making, flooring, and boatbuilding. Additionally, the tree’s bark, seeds, and leaves have been utilized in traditional medicine, demonstrating its integral role in the cultural practices of the regions it inhabits.

The taxonomic classification of Afzelia africana dates back to the early 19th century, as noted in Syn. Pl. 1: 455 (1805), with the authoritative naming attributed to Sm. ex Pers. Despite its economic and ecological value, the species faces challenges due to habitat loss and over-exploitation. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure that this valuable species continues to prosper in its native habitats.

In summary, African mahogany (Afzelia africana) stands as a testament to the rich biodiversity of tropical Africa, embodying both the region’s natural wealth and cultural heritage. Through sustainable management and conservation, this remarkable tree can continue to be a vital resource and a symbol of nature’s resilience.

Common Names

Eng: african mahogany, african-mahogany
En: African mahogany, Afzelia, African-mahogany
Bm: Dagan
Zh: 非洲缅茄
Et: Aafrika afseelia
Fr: Savanna Doussié
Ha: Kawo
Sg: Lïkpâ
Zh-hant: 非洲緬茄

Synonyms

• Pahudia africana ((Sm. ex Pers.) Prain)
• Afzelia speciosa (Coyte)
• Afrafzelia africana ((Sm. ex Pers.) Pierre)
• Intsia africana ((Sm. ex Pers.) Kuntze)

Distribution

• Benin (native)
• Burkina (native)
• Cameroon (native)
• Central African Repu (native)
• Chad (native)
• Gambia (native)
• Ghana (native)
• Guinea (native)
• Guinea-Bissau (native)
• Ivory Coast (native)
• Liberia (native)
• Mali (native)
• Niger (native)
• Nigeria (native)
• Senegal (native)
• Sierra Leone (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Togo (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• India (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Sep 2, 2020 by Bio Athanase DEGUEDI (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5358300)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:473043-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Afzelia africana Pers.)

Specifications

Growth