Afzelia xylocarpa

Afzelia xylocarpa

Afzelia xylocarpa pods opening on the tree in Luang Prabang, Laos

Seeds of Afzelia xylocarpa

Afzelia xylocarpa is a species of tree in the family Fabaceae, commonly known as the "makha" or "doussie." It is native to Southeast Asia, including countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. This tree is highly valued for its timber, which is used in construction and furniture making due to its durability and resistance to termites.

Description

Afzelia xylocarpa is a large deciduous tree that can grow up to 30 meters in height. The trunk is straight and cylindrical, with a diameter that can reach up to 1.5 meters. The bark is grayish-brown and becomes rough and fissured with age.

The leaves are compound, with 3 to 5 pairs of leaflets. Each leaflet is oblong to elliptic in shape, measuring 5 to 10 cm in length and 2 to 4 cm in width. The leaves are arranged alternately along the branches.

The tree produces large, woody pods that contain several seeds. The seeds are oval, shiny, and dark brown, surrounded by a yellow aril. The pods split open while still on the tree, releasing the seeds.

Habitat and Distribution

Afzelia xylocarpa is found in mixed deciduous and evergreen forests, often on sandy or rocky soils. It thrives in areas with a distinct dry season and is commonly found at altitudes ranging from 100 to 800 meters.

This species is distributed across Southeast Asia, with significant populations in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. It is also found in parts of southern China and Myanmar.

Uses

The wood of Afzelia xylocarpa is highly prized for its strength and resistance to decay and insect attack. It is commonly used in the construction of houses, bridges, and boats. The wood is also used to make high-quality furniture and flooring.

In addition to its timber value, the seeds of Afzelia xylocarpa are sometimes used in traditional medicine. The seeds are believed to have various health benefits, although scientific studies on their efficacy are limited.

Conservation

Afzelia xylocarpa is considered a vulnerable species due to overexploitation for its valuable timber. Habitat loss and illegal logging have contributed to the decline of this species in the wild. Conservation efforts are underway in several countries to protect remaining populations and promote sustainable management of forest resources.

Related pages

• Fabaceae
• Deciduous tree
• Timber
• Southeast Asia