African Mahogany
Scientific name: Khaya senegalensis (Desr.) A. Juss.
English name: African Mahogany
Family: Meliaceae
Local name: Sọ khỉ, Xà cừ
Characteristics
African Mahogany is a large evergreen tree with a straight trunk and a broad canopy. It is widely planted as a shade tree.
Its flowers are small and pale yellow, growing in panicles from the leaf axils and at the tips of branches. The flowers are regular and smooth, with a globular staminal tube enclosing eight anthers. The floral disc forms a rounded ridge.
The tree usually flowers around May and fruits around October.
Ecology
This is a light-loving, fast-growing species that adapts well to tropical climates. It can grow in a range of soil types and is especially common in urban areas, along roadsides, and in parks.
Distribution
In Vietnam: Originally from Africa, this species was introduced and is now widely planted as a landscape and street tree.
Worldwide: Tropical Africa and Madagascar.
Value
Timber: The wood is of good quality and is used for boats, light canoes, furniture, and plywood.
Traditional uses: The bark and other parts of the tree have been used in folk medicine to treat scabies, inflammation, and fever.
Landscape value: It is a widely used shade tree in urban environments.
Although it is a commonly planted species and is not considered threatened, it plays an important role in creating green urban landscapes and improving the city environment.
Location
African Mahogany can be found in many areas throughout Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens.
