Meliaceae
Trichilia emetica
Natal mahogany · Mkungwina
T
Available in our catalogue
We propagate this species and you can order it from our catalogue.
View in catalogue →About
This evergreen, medium to large tree can reach 25-30 metres in height, forming a dense, rounded crown with dark glossy green compound leaves. It produces fragrant, creamy-green flowers, followed by rounded, furry, red-brown capsules. These capsules split open to reveal shiny black seeds, almost entirely covered by a vibrant orange-red aril.
Where it works in Kilifi
An excellent shade tree for a Kilifi-coast garden or landscape, it is suitable for specimen planting, avenues, or as a windbreak due to its fast growth and non-invasive root system. It thrives in full sun to semi-shade and prefers well-drained, rich alluvial or sandy soils, often found near rivers in its natural habitat.
Growing notes
A fast-growing species, it can reach up to 1-2 metres per year and tolerates moderate drought once established, though it prefers moderate watering. Seeds should be sown fresh as they quickly lose viability, and cuttings are also a viable propagation method. Exercise caution as the seed coat is extremely poisonous.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: sanbi.org, wikipedia.org, worldagroforestry.org, scribd.com, blogspot.com, pfaf.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.