Family: Meliaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Khaya nyasica, commonly known as East African mahogany, is a large tropical hardwood tree native to eastern and southern Africa. It is valued for its straight trunk, broad canopy, and attractive reddish-brown timber, which is similar to true mahogany and widely used in furniture, cabinetry, flooring, and boatbuilding. This species is also planted as a shade and ornamental tree in tropical regions due to its fast growth and stately appearance. In Hawaiʻi, it has been introduced for forestry and landscaping purposes and is now naturalized on Oʻahu.

Risks & Threats
Although Khaya nyasica is naturalized in Hawaiʻi, it is currently considered low risk. It does not appear to spread aggressively or form dense stands that displace native vegetation. However, like many introduced trees, it has the potential to reproduce and persist in suitable habitats, particularly in disturbed areas. Continued monitoring is recommended to ensure it does not expand its range or begin to impact native ecosystems. At present, it is not known to pose significant ecological threats, but responsible planting and management practices are encouraged.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized outside native range (O'ahu, Puerto Rico)
  
• History of repeated introductions outside native range
  
• Tolerates broad range of climates (elevation 0–1400 m)
  
• Shade tolerant
  
• Tolerates wide range of soils (pH <4 to 7)
  
• Produces viable seed
  
• Wind-dispersed seeds
  
• Propagules dispersed intentionally by people
  
• Tolerates mutilation / benefits from pruning

Low Risk Traits:

• No evidence of agricultural, forestry, or environmental weediness
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Not allelopathic or parasitic
  
• Not toxic to animals or humans
  
• No vegetative fragmentation in wild
  
• Low seed production per fruit (20–60 seeds)
  
• Short seed viability (<3 months)
  
• Not dispersed by water, birds, other animals, or gut passage