African Mahogany
Afzelia africanafam. Fabaceae
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Pl. 170B — Afzelia africana
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IOverview
Overview
African Mahogany (Afzelia africana), a member of the Fabaceae family, is native to several West and Central African countries including Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and others. This tree grows in moist environments with light requirements ranging from full sun to partial shade. Known for its ornamental value and as an edible plant, it produces fruit, leaves, and seeds that are useful. One distinctive feature is its ability to thrive in various soil types—light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay)—and a hardiness range of 10-12, making it adaptable to different climates within its native range.
Quick answers
What is African Mahogany?
African Mahogany (Afzelia africana), a member of the Fabaceae family, is native to several West and Central African countries including Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and others. This tree grows in moist environments with light requirements ranging from full sun to partial shade.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
African Mahogany thrives in full sun and prefers moist to wet soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 10-12 and grows up to 8 meters tall. Propagate through seeds for fruit, leaves, and edible parts. Ensure the plant has adequate moisture and well-draining soil conditions for best growth.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
8.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow African Mahogany for the first time
8steps
Start with planting African Mahogany in a sunny spot, as it thrives in full sun and moist soil.
- 1
What you'll need
African Mahogany seeds or saplings, potting mix for containers if needed.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant African Mahogany during the rainy season when it's naturally moist and warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant seeds 2-3 cm deep in moist soil. For saplings, dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and plant gently.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist during germination. Water sparingly to avoid waterlogging.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure and regular watering, especially in dry periods. Fertilize lightly once a year.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune young plants to shape them. Mature trees may need occasional shaping but are not typically harvested.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in poor soil, and lack of sunlight are common issues beginners should avoid.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeavesSeed
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:Fire starterLumberCraftingoilPotashResinSoap makingNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
20 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
20 native · 1 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 20 native· 1 introduced
Asia1 region
introduced (1)India
Africa18 regions
native (18)BeninBurkina FasoCameroonChadCôte d'IvoireGambiaGhanaGuineaGuinea-BissauLiberiaMaliNigerNigeriaSenegalSierra LeoneSudanTogoUganda
Broader regions
native:Central African Repu, Zaïre
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fabaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 170b532d-34f6-424a-be58-3c835ff3e107
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