Natal mahogany

Natal mahogany (Trichilia emetica): This tall evergreen tree which grows from 8 to 20m is confined to the riverine forests of the Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip), specifically near the Kwando River, Mudumu NP and the Chobe/Zambezi River systems east to Victoria Falls. The spreading, rounded crown is a feature as it often falls to the ground. The leaves are a shiny, dark-green and small, creamy-green tubular flowers can be seen (and smelt) from August to December. A round, creamy-green-brown capsule surrounds the fruit, which has black seeds.

The wood of the Natal mahogany is a pinkish-brown to brownish-grey. It darkens as the tree ages and is well used in the furniture making industry. The seeds are eaten by birds but are poisonous to mammals. The White-barred Charaxinae butterfly is attracted to the flowers and leaves of this tree.