Natal Mahogany
trichilia emetica
Also known as: ["African Mahogany","Umbrella Mahogany"]
Overview
A large evergreen tree native to tropical Africa, known for its glossy leaves and small, fragrant flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Meliaceae |
| Genus: | Trichilia |
| Botanical Name: | Trichilia emetica |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in tropical or subtropical regions, or as a large indoor container plant
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added organic matter, such as compost or peat.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct light to prevent scorching; move indoors during extreme heat or cold; place near a south or west-facing window with sheer curtains for filtered light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun with protection from intense afternoon sun
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to diffuse intense light; avoid direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry partially between waterings, avoid letting the plant sit in water.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix with good aeration; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with compost annually.
Temperature
Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C); tolerates a range but thrives in warm, stable conditions.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from drafts; maintain consistent warmth during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth
Always water before fertilizing to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; adjust frequency based on growth rate.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or air layering.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select a healthy stem, cut below a node, apply rooting hormone, place in medium, maintain humidity, and wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (75–85°F), and indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand or a cactus/succulent mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to speed up root development.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment can take several months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, plastic wrap or dome, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning and heading back to shape the plant and improve air circulation.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or overgrown branches.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or loppers, disinfectant solution.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune during dormancy, remove dead/diseased wood, shape evenly, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before the active growing season starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage with a drainage hole.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water lightly, and avoid direct sun for a few days.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for root health and growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot, prepare new soil, inspect roots, prune if needed, water lightly, acclimate slowly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure proper drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation of the soil; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage, incorporate compost for fertility, and ensure aeration with chunky materials.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, leaf drop, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf drop, and may lead to root damage if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Move to a warmer location, insulate pots with bubble wrap, avoid cold drafts, and reduce watering.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or leaf drop due to excessive heat and dryness.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity with misting or a humidifier, and water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth season, dilute fertilizer, water before application, avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; cease in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are susceptible to the toxic effects of Trichilia emetica, particularly if they consume the seeds or fruits. The plant's toxins can cause severe gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms in felines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Trichilia emetica can lead to significant gastrointestinal upset and potential neurological symptoms due to the plant's toxic compounds. The effects can range from mild to severe depending on the quantity consumed.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicTrichilia emetica contains toxic compounds that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and neurological effects upon ingestion. The physiological impact includes irritation of the digestive tract and potential central nervous system depression.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Trichilia emetica suitable for indoor cultivation?
A: No, it is a large tree and best suited for outdoor landscapes.
Q: Does Trichilia emetica have any medicinal uses?
A: Traditional uses include treating fever and skin conditions, but scientific validation is limited.
Q: How fast does Trichilia emetica grow?
A: It is a moderately fast-growing tree, reaching significant height over several years.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Meliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun with |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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