Dryzone Mahogany

Khaya senegalensis

Physical Characteristics

Khaya senegalensis is a deciduous Tree growing to 25 m (82ft) by 20 m (65ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Tropical Africa - Senegal to Sudan and Uganda.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Oil Seed Edible Uses: Oil The seeds have an oil content of 67% and are rich in oleic acid (66%)[303 ]. The oil is used in West Africa for cooking[303 ].

Medicinal Uses

Antidermatosic Aphrodisiac Depurative Disinfectant Emmenagogue Febrifuge Laxative Leprosy Vermifuge The very bitter bark has a considerable reputation in its natural range as a fever remedy[303 ]. It is also used as a laxative, vermifuge, taenicide, depurative and for treating syphilis[303 ]. The bark extract is used for treating jaundice, dermatoses, scorpion bite, allergies, infection of the gums, hookworm, bleeding wounds (disinfectant)[303 ]. The crushed bark and seeds are regarded as an emmenagogue[303 ]. The seeds and leaves are used for treating fevers and headache[303 ]. The roots are used as a treatment against sterility, for the treatment of mental illness, against syphilis, leprosy and as an aphrodisiac[303 ].

Known Hazards

Used in Cote d’Ivoire as an ingredient in arrow poison[303 ]. Bark scales are sometimes used as a fish poison[303 ].