African Mahogany

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• African Mahogany
• Benin Mahogany
• Large-leaved Mahogany
• Senegal Mahogany
• Benin-mahogany
• Beninwood

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Khaya grandis
• Khaya kerstingii
• Khaya dawei
• Khaya punchii

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Sapindales, it is classified under the family Meliaceae. Its specific taxonomic designation is within the genus Khaya, where it is known as Khaya grandifolia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, Khaaya grandifoliola, exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the West Tropical Africa region. It can be found growing within the borders of Benin and Burkina Faso. Additionally, its presence is documented throughout the country of Ghana. The species also extends its range into Guinea. Finally, the geographical reach of this medicinal plant includes the Ivory Coast.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Khaya grandifoliola is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its ecosystem over many years. As a phanerophyte, specifically classified under both phanerophyte and nanophanerophyte growth forms, the plant maintains its buds well above the ground level, typically forming a robust woody structure. Its physiological cycle includes a deciduous phase, meaning it undergoes a period of seasonal leaf shedding.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Khaya grandifolia is characterized by its robust growth form as a woody tree, which is capable of reaching significant dimensions in its natural habitat. It is a self-supporting species that grows as an independent organism, meaning it does not function as a parasite or an epiphyte, maintaining a strictly terrestrial existence. In terms of stature, the plant exhibits considerable vertical development, with a mean height of approximately 30 m and the capacity to reach a maximum height of up to 40 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

40 m

Plant height mean:

30 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Kaya grandifolia is characterized by its specific metabolic and nutritional processes, most notably its reliance on the C3 photosynthetic pathway for carbon fixation. Unlike plants that utilize C4 or CAM mechanisms to minimize photorespiration in arid environments, this species processes carbon dioxide through the standard Calvin cycle, which is typical for many woody forest species. Furthermore, regarding its nutrient acquisition strategies, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer; it lacks the symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms, meaning it relies on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium present in the soil substrate to meet its nitrogen requirements for protein and chlorophyll synthesis.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Khaaya grandifolia is characterized by a specific phenological cycle and biotic pollination mechanisms. The flowering period typically commences in May and concludes within the same month, though the timing can be variable. Following successful fertilization, the fruiting stage begins in October and lasts until October, reflecting a distinct seasonal pattern. The pollination process is categorized as biotic, primarily relying on insects for successful reproduction, with bees identified as a key pollinator. The resulting seeds exhibit a relatively consistent mass, with a mean seed mass of approximately 0.240785 g, ranging from a minimum of 0.23 g to a maximum of 0.25157 g.

Flowering time :

May

Fruiting time :

Oct

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

bee

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Seed mass max:

0.25157 g

Seed mass mean:

0.240785 g

Seed mass min:

0.23 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Khaya grandifoliola has 1 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include stem.

Stem

1. Phytochemistry
2. Heliyon

Activities

Khaya grandifoliola has 5 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antidiabetic, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Hepatoprotective.

Anticancer

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antidiabetic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antimicrobial

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antioxidant

1. Heliyon

Hepatoprotective

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Medicinal Uses

Khaya grandifoliola has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Chikungunya virus infection, malaria.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations