White Mahogany, East African Mahogany

Khaya anthotheca

Physical Characteristics

Khaya anthotheca is a deciduous Tree growing to 50 m (164ft) by 30 m (98ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

Tropical Africa - Sierra Leone to Uganda, south to Angola and Mozambique.

Habitats

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Aphrodisiac Dysentery Febrifuge The bitter-tasting bark is widely used in traditional medicine[299 , 303 ]. An infusion is drunk to treat colds[303 ] and fevers[46 ]. A decoction or infusion of the bark is taken in the treatment of fevers, colds, pneumonia, abdominal pain, vomiting and gonorrhoea[299 ]. The pulverized bark is taken as an aphrodisiac and to treat male impotence[299 ]. Applied externally, the bark is used to treat wounds, sores and ulcers[299 ]. The oil from the seeds is rubbed into the hair to kill lice[303 ]. Root decoctions are drunk to treat anaemia, dysentery and rectal prolapse[299 ]. The use of the bark as an anti-anaemic agent has been confirmed in preliminary tests[299 ]. The tests also showed the presence of iron (16 mg/100 g), copper (0.7 mg/100g) and ascorbic acid[299 ]. The stem, bark and seeds contain limonoids[299 ].

Known Hazards

The leaves are said to be used for making an arrow-poison[299 ]. The wood dust may cause irritation to the skin[299 ].