The name anthotheca was taken from the Greek word anthos, meaning flower, while theca refers to a capsule. It is known by a number of other common names, including Nyasaland, red or white mahogany. Oos-Afrikaanse mahonie is the Afrikaans name and acajou is its name in French.
Distribution
It is widespread, occurring from Guinea Bissau east to Uganda and Tanzania, and south to Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It is fairly widely grown in plantations within its natural area of distribution, but also in South Africa, tropical Asia and tropical America. It is easily confused with other Khaya species like K. grandifoliola, K. senegalensis or K. ivorensis in the north of its natural range.
Habitat
The East African mahogany grows in medium to low altitude areas in evergreen forests. They require damp lands in order to grow.
Description
Khaya anthotheca trees may grow between 30–60 metres (100–200ft) tall. They have greyish-brown bark. On mature trees, white scented flowers are borne at the ends of the branches.
The tallest tree in Zimbabwe, the "Big Tree in Chirinda Forest", is a Khaya anthotheca, located in the Chirinda Forest Botanical Reserve. In 1990 it measured 58.5 metres (192ft);[3] more recently, it has also been reported as 65m tall,[4] though this measurement is unverified.
Ecology
Chimpanzees in the Budongo Forest, Uganda have been observed eating bark and resin of Khaya anthotheca. As the bark is quite low in nutritional value and the observed chimpanzees were suffering from various ailments including wounds, leukocyte levels suggesting infection, long lasting coughs, or high parasite loads, the presumption is that it is consumed to aid recovery. In laboratory settings it inhibits the growth of the bacteria Enterococcus faecium and Escherichia coli.[5]
Threats
It is often cut down and destroyed in East and West Africa. Planting new trees in these areas to make up for what was destroyed is very rare. Genetic erosion is thought to have occurred as well. Because of this, the species is listed as "vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List. Some of its populations have been offered protection, and some countries placed bans on its export. The foliage is eaten by the larvae of the moth Heteronygmia dissimilis.[6]
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