African Mahogany Tree (Khaya senegalensis)
Scientific Name: Khaya senegalensis — African Mahogany, Dry-Zone Mahogany.
Native Home: Tropical West and Central Africa, including Senegal, Mali, Ghana and Nigeria.
Height: 15–30 metres, occasionally taller.
Lifespan: Several decades to over 100 years under suitable conditions.
Uses and Harvesting
Timber: Valuable hardwood used for furniture, cabinetry, flooring and boatbuilding.
Harvesting: Mature trees are selectively harvested for timber; sustainable management helps protect wild populations.
Age to Harvest: Around 25–40 years or longer for valuable timber, depending on growth conditions.
Products: Hardwood lumber, furniture, veneer, cabinetry and shade trees.
History and Global Production
Traditional Use: Wood has long been used for furniture, construction and carving; parts of the tree also have traditional medicinal uses.
Global Spread: Native to Africa and planted in tropical regions, including parts of Asia, for timber, shade and reforestation. Demand for its hardwood has contributed to pressure on natural populations.
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