Pod Mahogany

Peulmahonie · Afzelia quanzensis

A striking far-north tree prized for its beautiful reddish hardwood, and a protected species in South Africa. The two-tone seeds are collected for necklaces and curios.

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How to identify it

A large, deep-rooted tree with a wide spreading crown and glossy compound leaves. Best spotted by the large, woody, blackish flat pods that split open to reveal seeds that are half black, half scarlet.

Flowers & fruit

Spring to early summer (roughly Sep-Dec), with sweetly scented reddish-green flowers

Browsed by

Leaves browsed by elephant, kudu and other browsers; the pods and seeds are eaten and dispersed by various animals.

Where to see it in Kruger

Localised in the far north, on the sandveld and along rivers around the Punda Maria and Pafuri areas.

Did you know

Its glossy black-and-red seeds, called lucky beans, stay bright for years and are in great demand for jewellery, charms and curios.

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