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Khaya grandifoliola

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Khaya grandifoliola C.D.C.

Family Name: Meliaceae
Common Name: Large-leaved Khaya, Benin Mahogany, African Mahogany, African Mahogony

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Authority
Name Status (botanical)
Common Names
Comments

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants)
Plant Growth Form Tree (Big (>30m))
Lifespan (in Singapore) Perennial

Biogeography

Native Distribution Tropical Africa
Local Conservation Status Non-native

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form Large tree growing up to 30 - 35 m tall.
Trunk Trunk is straight and tall with dark brown bark, reaching a girth that exceeds 1 m. 
Foliage Pinnately compound leaves are composed of 4-6 pairs of oblong leaflets with wavy leaf margin and acute apex. 
Flowers Small, yellowish flowers are composed of 4-5 petals.
Fruit Dry, dehiscent fruits are known as capsules (5-8 cm wide). Fruits are round with 4-5 valves and contain numerous winged seeds.
Habitat Occurs in evergreen forests. This species is threatened by loss of habitat and its conservation status is currently considered vulnerable.
Cultivation This species is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, but it prefers a fertile, well-drained soil like sandy loam. 
Etymology The species epithet "grandifoliola" is Latin for large leaves.
Ethnobotanical Uses Others: The gum of Khaya grandifolia is used as a tablet binder for paracetamol.

Landscaping Features

Landscape Uses Suitable for Roadsides

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Full Sun
Water Preference Moderate Water
Plant Growth Rate Moderate
Rootzone Tolerance Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils
Propagation Method Seed, Stem Cutting

Foliar

Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green
Mature Foliage Texture(s) Smooth, Glossy / Shiny
Foliar Shape(s) Non-Palm Foliage
Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio 3.0 (Tree - Intermediate Canopy)

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower Colour(s) Yellow / Golden

Fruit, Seed and Spore

Mature Fruit Colour(s) Brown

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID 1685
Species ID 2978
Flora Disclaimer The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.
Species record last updated on: 18 February 2022.
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