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Khaya nyasica

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Khaya nyasica

Family Name: Meliaceae
Common Name: Red Mahogany, East African Mahogany, African Mahogany

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Common Names
Comments

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants)
Plant Growth Form Tree
Lifespan (in Singapore) Perennial
Mode of Nutrition Autotrophic

Biogeography

Native Distribution Tropical Africa

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form A big tree grows up to 60 m tall, occasionally with buttresses.
Foliage The compound leaves are paripinnate, with 2-7 pairs of leaflets. The leaflets are oblong-elliptic, measuring 17 x 7 cm.
Flowers The white flowers are borne in clusters, and each flower measures up to 10 mm in diameter.
Fruit The fruit is a brown capsule, ovoid, about tennis-ball sized, measuring 3-5 cm in diameter. The ripe fruits will split open and release many brown winged seeds.
Ethnobotanical Uses Timber & Products: The wood can be used to make furniture.
Cultural / Religious: Heritage Tree: There are 4 individuals of Khaya nyasica listed as Heritage Trees in Singapore. To find out more about these trees, please visit the Heritage Tree Register.

Landscaping Features

Desirable Plant Features Ornamental Form, Fragrant (Flowers)
Landscape Uses General, Parks & Gardens, Shade Providing Tree / Palm

Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal

Pollination Method(s) Biotic (Fauna)
Seed or Spore Dispersal Abiotic

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

Foliar

Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green
Foliar Type Compound

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower Colour(s) Cream / Off-White, White
Flower Grouping Cluster / Inflorescence

Fruit, Seed and Spore

Mature Fruit Colour(s) Brown
Mature Seed Colour(s) Brown
Seed Quantity Per Fruit Numerous (>20)

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID 32842
Species ID 7256
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: 28 August 2024.
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