SafePlants

No images found for this plant ID: 917.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "917" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Dogs?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Cats?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Reptiles?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

pod mahogany

Scientific Name: Afzelia quanzensis

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Pod Mahogany (Afzelia quanzensis)

The Pod Mahogany, scientifically known as Afzelia quanzensis, is a striking African tree often admired for its resemblance to true mahogany. This has led to some naming confusion, highlighting the importance of using the scientific name for accurate identification.

Considerations for Pets

  • The seeds are red and black.

Considerations for Children

  • The seeds are red and black.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Afzelia quanzensis
  • Family: Caesalpiniaceae
  • Synonyms: Seymeria quanzensis
  • Common Names: Pod Mahogany, Mahogany Bean, Lucky Bean Tree, Chamfuti, Rhodesian Mahogany, Ihlene (Ndebele), Mugogoma (Shona), Mugoriondo (Shona), Mujarakamba (Shona), Mukamba (Shona), Mungwingwi (Shona), Hlafuta, Isbin, Kipapa, Mapoortza, Mbambakofi, Mbarakun, Mbarikwa, Mbembakofe, Peulmahonie (Afrikaans), Mutokota (Venda), Inkehli (Zulu), Chanfuta, Mussacossa, Matende, Mecombe, Moco, Mugengema, Muoco, Chemnen, Mupapa, Collier Mbambakofi (Swahili), Arbre Makola.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Indigenous to Malawi and South Africa (protected tree).
  • Found in sandy soil, often on small rocky outcrops or in well-drained soils.
  • Observed near Katunta Lodge on November 4th, 2015.
  • Grows in the Arabuko-Sokoke forest, Watamu, Kenya.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • A medium to large, deep-rooted tree that may grow up to 35 meters high.
  • Features a large, spreading crown, often described as umbrella-like. Some specimens reach only 12-15 meters in height.
  • The trunk is somewhat straight.
  • Semi-deciduous to deciduous.
  • Seeds are matt black with bright orange ends and about 4cm long.

Ecological Role

  • Important for animal survival in the Arabuko-Sokoke forest (Kenya).

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Larvae of the maize feed on the tree.
  • Giraffes browse on the tree's foliage.