Meliaceae
Khaya senegalensis
African mahogany, Senegal mahogany
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Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
Khaya senegalensis is a large, semi-deciduous tree reaching 15-30 metres in height, distinguished by its dark grey, scaly bark that can exude a reddish sap. Its compound leaves feature 3-7 pairs of oblong, glossy green leaflets, while small, fragrant cream-coloured flowers bloom in clusters, typically during the dry season. The tree produces woody, spherical capsules, 4-10 cm in diameter, which split into four valves to release winged brown seeds; its valuable reddish-brown hardwood is used for furniture and construction, and the bark holds traditional medicinal uses.
Where it works in Kilifi
This adaptable tree thrives in full sun and prefers well-draining, fertile soils, suitable for sandy, loamy, or clay types. It serves as an excellent specimen or shade tree in large coastal gardens and landscapes due to its dense canopy and deep root system, which contributes to drought resistance once established. For avenue planting or reforestation, space trees 5-10 metres apart.
Growing notes
Khaya senegalensis is a fast-growing species that is drought-tolerant once mature, but young trees require regular watering to establish a strong root system. It exhibits moderate resistance to frost and older trees are fire-resistant. Seedlings are susceptible to fire and young plants in plantations can be vulnerable to shoot borers, requiring careful management such as overhead shading.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: worldagroforestry.org, nbatat.com, wikipedia.org, cabidigitallibrary.org, ksirs.in, arocjournal.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.