09 Apr Tieghemella heckelii
Scientific name: Tieghemella heckelii A. Chev.
Family: Sapotaceae.
Distribution and Conservation Status: Evergreen and semi-deciduous forests on moist, well-drained soils. Endangered due to overexploitation and reduced seed dispersal following declines in elephants and other seed dispersers.
Common Names: Mahogany (English), Agbabu (Yoruba), Makore (Igbo), Okwekkwe (Edo).
Fruit and Seeds: Large, ovoid-globose berry 8-12cm long, yellow when ripe, containing 1-3 seeds surrounded by sticky, fresh pulp.
Fruiting Time: June – October.
Seed Extraction Method: Remove seeds from the pulp.
Types of Seed: Recalcitrant with epigeal germination.
Sowing Method: Direst sowing.
Sowing Medium: Mix forest topsoil with composted sawdust.
Germination Period: 14-21 days
Germination Percentage: 50% (2/4 x100)
Planting: Partial shade in early stages.
Growth and Development: Seedlings grow about 0.5–1 m per year under good conditions, then slows as strong taproot develops, trees can reach up to 45 m tall and 1–2 m in diameter.
Notes: Conservation efforts focus on planting, sustainable harvesting and forest protection given its endangered status.