Khaya senegalensis is a valuable, multipurpose tree species native to the savanna regions of West Africa, widely recognized for its high-quality timber and extensive medicinal applications.
The extremely bitter bark is widely used as a decoction to treat malaria, fever, digestive disorders, wounds, skin infections, venereal diseases, jaundice, rheumatism, and worms in both humans and livestock, though excessive use can be toxic.
Seed oil is used for cooking, the bark may be added in small amounts as a bitter medicinal stimulant, and the leaves serve as livestock fodder during the dry season.
It is regarded as a powerful ritual tree, used in spiritual practices, dyeing cloth, cosmetics, arrow and fish poison preparation, and valued for its durable timber in furniture and boat building.
The plant is mainly propagated by fresh seeds sown soon after collection, which germinate quickly and reliably, with ongoing studies on stem cuttings to support domestication.
