Dry-zone mahogany (Senegal mahogany, caïlcédrat) Khaya senegalensis
Dry-zone mahogany (Senegal mahogany, caïlcédrat) (Khaya senegalensis) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Meliaceae family, native to Sudanian savanna from Senegal to Uganda. It grows 15–30 m (49–98 ft) tall and 10–20 m (33–66 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 15 m (49 ft) apart.
Plan Dry-zone mahogany (Senegal mahogany, caïlcédrat) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Dry-zone mahogany (Senegal mahogany, caïlcédrat) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Meliaceae |
| Mature height | 15–30 m (49–98 ft) |
| Mature spread | 10–20 m (33–66 ft) |
| Spacing | 15 m (49 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 45 °C (113 °F) |
| Flowering | from about January for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Sudanian savanna from Senegal to Uganda |
| Common in gardens of | 🇳🇬 Nigeria, 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Dry-zone mahogany (Senegal mahogany, caïlcédrat) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No poisoning reported; the very bitter bark is a traditional medicine.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Dry-zone mahogany (Senegal mahogany, caïlcédrat)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Dry-zone mahogany (Senegal mahogany, caïlcédrat)
- How far apart should I plant Dry-zone mahogany (Senegal mahogany, caïlcédrat)?
- About 15 m (49 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 10–20 m (33–66 ft).
- Does Dry-zone mahogany (Senegal mahogany, caïlcédrat) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Dry-zone mahogany (Senegal mahogany, caïlcédrat) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Dry-zone mahogany (Senegal mahogany, caïlcédrat)?
- It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Dry-zone mahogany (Senegal mahogany, caïlcédrat) flower?
- From about January for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Dry-zone mahogany (Senegal mahogany, caïlcédrat) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No poisoning reported; the very bitter bark is a traditional medicine.
- What grows well with Dry-zone mahogany (Senegal mahogany, caïlcédrat)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Dry-zone mahogany (Senegal mahogany, caïlcédrat). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Agroforestree Database: a tree reference and selection guide, World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), Nairobi
- PROTA4U: Plant Resources of Tropical Africa, PROTA Foundation, Wageningen
Notes and assumptions
- A savanna plant of hot summers and a long dry season; it wants sharp drainage and resents cold, wet winters.
- The great shade and avenue tree of Sahelian towns, from Dakar to Kano; dense, dark crowns and woody fruits that split into four. Valuable timber, now listed as Vulnerable (IUCN) from over-cutting and lopping for cattle fodder.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Big-leaf mahogany Swietenia macrophylla
- Neem Azadirachta indica
- Chinaberry (Persian lilac) Melia azedarach
- Langsat (duku) Lansium parasiticum
- Santol Sandoricum koetjape
- Chinese perfume plant (mock lime, prayong) Aglaia odorata
- Dwarf mountain pine Pinus mugo
- Japanese maple Acer palmatum