Sapele Mahogany

Entandrophragma cylindricum

Physical Characteristics

Entandrophragma cylindricum is a deciduous Tree growing to 50 m (164ft) by 30 m (98ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Tropical Africa - moister areas from Sierra Leone to Uganda, south to Angola.

Habitats

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Anodyne Skin The bark is used in traditional medicine. A decoction or maceration is taken to treat bronchitis, lung complaints, colds, oedema and as an anodyne[ 299 ]. The bark pulp is applied externally to furuncles and wounds[ 299 ]. The lactone entandrophragmin has been isolated from the heartwood and bark. It showed high toxicity to tadpoles[ 299 ]. The bark contains tannins and several acyclic triterpenoids, called sapelenins[ 299 ].

Known Hazards

None known