African Mahogany

Khaya senegalensis — Meliaceae

Italiano: Mogano africano

Description

African Mahogany (Khaya senegalensis) belongs to the Meliaceae family and is native to Africa. It thrives in Savanna woodland, forest-savanna transition environments across regions including Africa. Botanically, African Mahogany is large West African tree valued for timber. Seeds are edible when roasted and bark has traditional uses.. The edible parts include Seeds. With an edibility rating of 5/10, it ranks as a moderate wild food source. Harvesting is best done during December, February, January, March and November. Nutritionally, African Mahogany stands out for its Vitamin K (30.0mg, 25% DV), Vitamin C (20.0mg, 22% DV) and Vitamin E (1.0mg, 7% DV). It also provides 4.0g protein and 3.0g dietary fiber per 100g serving. In the kitchen, African Mahogany offers a Nutty, oily, like melon seeds flavor profile. Collect winged seeds; remove wing; roast. Common culinary applications include Roasted seeds, Oil. Popular preparations include Roast seeds in a dry pan until fragrant. For storage, refrigerate fresh parts. Safety note: Timber trade has heavily depleted populations; sustainable use important. Antinutrient content is minimal. Be aware that Verify identification before consumption. Safe lookalike species include Similar edible species. Always verify identification with at least three independent botanical sources before consumption.

🌿 Foraging Tips

Where to find: Grows in Savanna woodland, forest-savanna transition across Africa.

🍳 Recipe: Roast seeds in a dry pan until fragrant

Preparation method: Collect winged seeds; remove wing; roast
Flavor profile: Nutty, oily, like melon seeds
Edible parts: Seeds

This is one of the traditional ways to prepare this wild edible plant. Always ensure proper plant identification before cooking.

When to harvest: Best months: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar.
Lookalike (safe): Similar edible species
⚠️ Lookalike (toxic): Verify identification before consumption
Tip: Always verify identification with multiple sources before consuming any wild plant. When in doubt, do not eat it.

Edibility

5/10
Toxicity: Timber trade has heavily depleted populations; sustainable use important
Antinutrients: Minimal
Safe lookalikes: Similar edible species
Dangerous: Verify identification before consumption

Harvest Calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Edible parts: Semi
Preparation: Collect winged seeds; remove wing; roast
Flavor: Nutty, oily, like melon seeds

Nutrition (per 100g)

Protein: 4.0g
Fat: 0.5g
Fiber: 3.0g
Vitamin C: 20.0mg (22%DV)
Vitamin A: 50mcg (5%DV)
Vitamin E: 1.0mg (6%DV)
Vitamin K: 30mcg (25%DV)
Folate (B9): 20mcg (5%DV)
Calcium: 30.0mg (2%DV)
Iron: 1.0mg (5%DV)
Magnesium: 20mg (4%DV)
Potassium: 200mg (4%DV)
Zinc: 0.3mg (2%DV)

Culinary Uses: Roasted seeds, Oil Storage: Refrigerate fresh parts

Recipes

  • Roast seeds in a dry pan until fragrant

Where It Grows

Continent: Africa
Regions: Africa
Habitat: Savanna woodland, forest-savanna transition
⚠️
Important: Always verify plant identification before consumption. This content is for informational purposes only. Consult reliable sources and experts before eating any wild plant. Improper identification can be dangerous.

Sources & References