Trichilia emetica

Trichilia emetica Vahl

Common names

Natal mahogany (English); musikishi, musikisi (Bemba/Kunda/Nyanja); msikizi, musikizi (Nyanja/Tumbuka).

General description and distinguishing characteristics

Trichilia emetica is a large, evergreen tree up to 20 m in height with a spreading crown. Bark dark grey, smoothish. Young branchlets smooth grey-brown. Leaves compound, imparipinnate with 4-5 pairs of opposite leaflets plus a terminal leaflet. Leaflets oblong-elliptic, typically 11 x 5 cm but very variable in size. Upper leaf surface dark glossy green, lower leaf surface lighter in colour ± hairy. Margin entire. Petiole 7-12 cm long, hairy. Petiolules short, thickset. Flowers fragrant, yellowish green, petals 1.5 cm long, produced in axillary cymose panicles 5 cm long (September-November). Fruit a pear-shaped capsule, typically 3cm long, splitting into two or three valves to reveal black glossy seeds enveloped in a scarlet aril (December-February).

Trichilia emetica is one of the most attractive trees in the Luangwa Valley. Its thick evergreen foliage provides cool welcome shade for both man and wild animals at the hottest time of the year. During the flowering period of September to November the tree bears sprays of small rather inconspicuous pale green flowers whose sweet scent permeates the evening air in the Luangwa riverine forests.

Range and habitat

Trichilia emetica is widespread throughout tropical Africa and extends as far north as the Arabian Peninsular. In the Luangwa Valley it is found in riverine fringe woodland and thicket and on termite mounds.