Trichilia emetica, commonly known as Natal Mahogany, is an evergreen tree native to the coastal forests and woodland savannas of southern and eastern Africa. It can grow up to 82 feet tall with a dense, rounded crown. The leaves are pinnately compound with glossy dark green leaflets. Natal Mahogany blooms with clusters of small, sweet-scented, creamy-white flowers that are particularly attractive to bees and birds. The flowering season is from spring to early summer. The fruit is a woody capsule that splits open to reveal black seeds encased in a bright red aril, which is quite ornamental.

Natal Mahogany is appreciated for its shade-providing canopy and is often used in large gardens, parks, and as a street tree in urban landscapes. It is also planted for its medicinal properties, as various parts of the plant are used in traditional medicine to treat wounds, skin conditions, and gastrointestinal disorders. This tree prefers a warm, frost-free climate and requires well-drained soil, moderate watering, and full sun to partial shade. It is relatively low-maintenance once established but can be susceptible to pests like scales and mealybugs.CC BY-SA 4.0