African Mahogany (Afzelia africana)

Family: Fabaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

A deciduous tree in the Fabaceae family that can grow up to 10 – 25 meters tall and up to 40cm in diameter, African mahogany or Lucky bean tree (Aflezia africana) is known for its very good quality wood that can be used as substitute for mahogany. The fruits, particularly the fleshy pulp in the seedpod or the aril, and leaves are edible. The seed is poisonous but contains 31% oil and have potential for industrial use.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet flavour. — The fleshy pulp in the seedpod, surrounding the seeds, has a sweet flavour.; Some caution is advised because the seed is poisonous.; Pods flattened 12-17 x 5-8 x 3.5 cm, glabrous, black, woody, persistent bursts open at maturity spreading the seeds.; Seeds poisonous, with a sweet edible aril.

Habitat & North American Range

Humid and dry forests, tree savannahs, forest galleries. Semi-deciduous forest and savannahs to the southern border of the Sahel. Found in the drier parts of the tropical forests region in valleys, on the savannah and in areas fringing forests. (Zone 10)