African mahogany - Khaya ivorensis

Description and Uses

Khaya ivorensis (African mahogany) is a tropical tree from Zaire. It is mainly grown for its timber crops (long shelflife), but also

can be produced. The crop is harvested by total removing.

. Medical uses include;

The contains ( - ). The tree`s wood is called African mahogany and has a density of 530 - 530 kg/m³. After 120 years the tree can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Khaya ivorensis has a lifespan of 400 years.

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Environmental limitations

The tree is 47 meters tall. It is very slow growing and tolerates not less light than partial shade. Khaya ivorensis has a shallow root-system and forms symbiotic relations

(endo-mycorrhiza). It is not able to fix nitrogen. The tree`s flower-morphology is hermaphroditic and is pollinated by insects.

Khaya ivorensis thrives in an altitude of 0 to 450 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is 15°C and optimally between 24 - 27°C. The optimal rainfall is 2850 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 1600 - 2500 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 5.0 - 6.0 in a soil texture of clay. To salt it is intolerant to wind and to fire .

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Pests and Diseases

and

diseases.

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Seed Propagation

Seeds are orthodox and can be stored for 4 months. There are approximative 2900 seeds/kg. Unfortunately propagation instruction is missing.

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