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Dryzone Mahogany

Khaya senegalensis
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
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Khaya senegalensis (Dryzone Mahogany) — botanical photograph
Pl. ADB3Khaya senegalensis
Khaya senegalensisKhaya senegalensisKhaya senegalensisKhaya senegalensisKhaya senegalensisKhaya senegalensisKhaya senegalensisKhaya senegalensisKhaya senegalensisKhaya senegalensisKhaya senegalensisKhaya senegalensisKhaya senegalensisKhaya senegalensis
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Overview

Dryzone Mahogany, scientifically known as Khaya senegalensis, is a large tree native to West and Central Africa, including countries like Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and Gabon. This tree thrives in moist environments with partial sun to full sun exposure, growing up to 25 meters tall. It is adaptable to various soil types—light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay)—and is hardy in zones 10-12. Known for its edible seeds, Dryzone Mahogany plays a significant role in the region's ecology and agriculture. One distinctive feature of this tree is its ability to grow in diverse habitats, making it a resilient species in challenging environments.

Quick answers

What is Dryzone Mahogany?

Dryzone Mahogany, scientifically known as Khaya senegalensis, is a large tree native to West and Central Africa, including countries like Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and Gabon. This tree thrives in moist environments with partial sun to full sun exposure, growing up to 25 meters tall.

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Dryzone Mahogany thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist to wet soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows well in hardiness zones 10-12, making it suitable for tropical climates. This tree can reach a height of 25 meters and requires regular watering but can tolerate some drought once established. For propagation, seeds are the preferred method.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Habit
Tree
Mature size
25.0 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Dryzone Mahogany for the first time

8steps

Start with a Dryzone Mahogany sapling for the best beginner experience.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    A young Dryzone Mahogany sapling, well-draining soil, and a large container or planting area.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring when the weather is warming up but before full summer heat.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use a mix of light sandy, medium, or clay soil with good drainage. Ensure containers are at least 1 meter wide and deep.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant the sapling carefully, ensuring not to damage the roots. Water thoroughly after planting.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in a sunny spot and avoid direct midday sun for now.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water regularly, especially during dry spells, and provide full to partial sunlight. Fertilize sparingly with organic compost.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Focus on pruning young growth to shape the tree. No edible parts are harvested for this beginner guide.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in too small a container, and not providing enough sunlight are common pitfalls.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:Fire starterDisinfectantoilTanninLumberCoppice
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

19 native · 10 introduced
Distribution across3 continents· 19 native· 10 introduced
Asia5 regions
introduced (5)CambodiaChinaSri LankaTaiwanVietnam
Americas2 regions
introduced (2)CubaPuerto Rico
Africa18 regions
native (18)BeninBurkina FasoCameroonChadCôte d'IvoireGabonGambiaGuineaGuinea-BissauMaliMauritaniaNigerNigeriaSenegalSierra LeoneSudanTogoUganda
Broader regions
native:Central African Repu
introduced:Florida, Hainan, Leeward Is.
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Khaya senegalensis (Dryzone Mahogany) — botanical photograph
Dryzone Mahogany (Khaya senegalensis)
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