Pod mahogany

Pod mahogany (Afzelia quanzensis): The large, spreading crown of this semi-deciduous to deciduous tree is it's main feature. It grows in sandy soil and is a relatively rare species in the dry woodlands of the eastern Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip). The pod mahogany grows up to 20m high with a diametre of up to 1.6m. The bark is a grey, purplish grey to pale brown colour with dark-green leaves (lighter below). Orange-red petal flowers display from August, peaking from October to November. A thick, woody pod surrounds a black-brown bi-valve fruit.

Various game species eat the leaves and flowers. The Large Blue Charaxinae butterfly is attracted to the flowers and leaves. Rats, birds, humans and mammals seek the seeds which can be strung into necklaces. Root extract can treat eye diseases, bilharzia and flu. The bark can help treat toothache and the wood is termite resistant.