Family: Meliaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Khaya senegalensis, commonly known as dry zone mahogany, is native to sub-Saharan Africa, where it naturally occurs in savanna woodlands and along riverbanks. This medium to large evergreen tree is valued for its straight trunk, dense canopy, and glossy, dark green leaves. It produces small, fragrant flowers followed by woody seed capsules. Widely planted in tropical and subtropical regions, dry zone mahogany is especially appreciated as a shade tree, windbreak, and ornamental in urban landscapes. Its durable, reddish-brown timber is highly prized for furniture, cabinetry, and construction, similar to other mahogany species.

Risks & Threats
Dry zone mahogany is considered low risk in Hawaii and other tropical regions. While it is capable of reproducing by seed, it does not typically spread aggressively or form dense stands that displace native vegetation. Seedlings may occasionally appear near planted trees, but these are usually manageable and do not persist widely in natural ecosystems. With proper placement and routine landscape maintenance, Khaya senegalensis can be a beneficial and attractive tree choice without posing significant ecological concerns.

High Risk Traits:

• Grows in tropical/subtropical climates
  
• Introduced outside its native range (Vietnam, India, Australia, Brazil, etc.)
  
• Host for recognized pests/pathogens (e.g., Hypsipyla robusta borer)
  
• Tolerates light to moderate shade (up to 50% when immature)
  
• Reproduces by vegetative fragmentation (stool sprouts, root suckers)
  
• Propagules dispersed intentionally by people
  
• Propagules adapted for wind dispersal (up to 100 m)
  
• Prolific seed production (up to ~24 seeds/fruit; high seed count per mature tree)
  
• Tolerates mutilation/cultivation (coppices well)

Low Risk Traits:

• No evidence of naturalization outside native range
  
• No weed status (environmental, agricultural, or congeneric)
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• No evidence of allelopathy or parasitism
  
• Not toxic to animals or humans
  
• Seeds do not persist in soil bank (viable 6-8 months only)
  
• No evidence of propagule dispersal by birds, other animals, or as a contaminant