Entandrophragma



Entandrophragma is a genus of eleven known species of deciduous trees in the family Meliaceae.

Description
Entandrophragma is restricted to tropical Africa. At least some of the species attain large sizes, reaching 40–50 m tall, exceptionally 60 m, and 2 m in trunk diameter. In 2016 a specimen of Entandrophragma excelsum towering at a height of 81.5 m tall, and a 2.55 m dbh was identified at Kilimanjaro.

It is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants. The leaves are pinnate, with 5-9 pairs of leaflets, each leaflet 8–10 cm long with an acuminate tip. The flowers are produced in loose inflorescences, each flower small, with five yellowish petals about 2 mm long, and ten stamens. The fruit is a five-valved capsule containing numerous winged seeds.

Species
Accepted 11 Species:
 * 1) Entandrophragma angolense (Welw.) Panshin
 * 2) Entandrophragma bussei Harms ex Engl.
 * 3) Entandrophragma candollei Harms
 * 4) Entandrophragma caudatum (Sprague) Sprague
 * 5) Entandrophragma congoense (Pierre ex De Wild.) A.Chev.
 * 6) Entandrophragma cylindricum (Sprague) Sprague
 * 7) Entandrophragma delevoyi De Wild.
 * 8) Entandrophragma excelsum (Dawe & Sprague) Sprague
 * 9) Entandrophragma palustre Staner
 * 10) Entandrophragma spicatum (C.DC.) Sprague
 * 11) Entandrophragma utile (Dawe & Sprague) Sprague

Uses
The timber of a few species is traded as a tropical hardwood. It is sometimes termed under the generic label of mahogany, and while Entandrophragma is part of the family Meliaceae, it is not classified as genuine mahogany. The species shares many of the characteristics of genuine mahogany and is used as an alternative, with Sapele and Utile in particular bearing a close resemblance.