Nyasaland Mahogany

Scientific name: Khaya nyasica

Overview

Nyasaland Mahogany is a tall southeastern African mahogany historically traded under regional names including Nyasaland mahogany and red mahogany. It belongs to the Meliaceae family and is native to southeastern Kenya through Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This profile brings together identification, woodworking, sourcing, and conservation notes for collectors and woodworkers.

The species grows primarily in seasonally dry tropical forest and riverine sites. A large evergreen tree may reach 40 m or more, with a very straight bole and prominent buttresses on mature specimens; bark is mottled gray and brown and exfoliates in scales. The heartwood is pale pink when fresh, becoming red-brown with exposure. Grain is straight to interlocked with medium to moderately coarse texture and possible ribbon figure. Natural variation, age, cut, lighting, and finish can all change the appearance, so color alone should never be treated as a final identification.

Quick Facts

  • Common Name: Nyasaland Mahogany
  • Alternate Common Name(s): Red Mahogany, African Mahogany, M’bawa
  • Scientific Name: Khaya nyasica
  • Region: African Woods
  • Tree Size: Typically 100–165 ft (30–50 m) tall
  • Average Dried Weight: Approximately 36 lb/ft³ (575 kg/m³)
  • Janka Hardness: Approximately 850 lbf (3,780 N)
  • Grain: Usually straight to interlocked; may show ribbon figure
  • Texture: Medium to coarse

Identification Characteristics

Look for the combination of pale pink when fresh, becoming red-brown with exposure and straight to interlocked with medium to moderately coarse texture and possible ribbon figure. Compare a freshly sanded face-grain surface with end grain under good light. Record provenance, supplier, and botanical name whenever possible, since related tropical species may overlap in color and figure.

  • Heartwood and sapwood color boundary
  • Pore size and distribution on clean end grain
  • Direction of grain and any ribbon or mottled figure
  • Texture, luster, weight, and odor when freshly worked
  • Verified origin and trade documentation
Nyasaland Mahogany wood sample
Nyasaland Mahogany wood sample showing face and end grain.
Nyasaland Mahogany tree
Nyasaland Mahogany in its natural habitat.

Working Properties

Workability varies with density and grain direction. Straight-grained stock normally machines more cleanly, while interlocked or figured areas can tear during planing. Use sharp cutters, shallow passes, and controlled feed rates. Test unfamiliar stock before committing valuable boards to a final project.

  • Pre-drill near edges and ends to reduce splitting.
  • Use effective dust extraction during sawing, routing, sanding, and turning.
  • Prepare clean joint surfaces and test the selected adhesive on an offcut.
  • Sand progressively and remove torn fibers before finishing.
  • Test clear, oil, and film finishes because color can deepen dramatically.
  • Dry thick material gradually and store boards with even support and airflow.

Safety Note

Wood dust can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system, and some people develop sensitivity after repeated exposure. Use local dust collection, eye protection, and a properly fitted respirator. Wash exposed skin after machining and keep workshop dust away from living areas.

Common Uses

Nyasaland Mahogany furniture and woodworking
Nyasaland Mahogany used in furniture and decorative woodworking.
Nyasaland Mahogany specialty woodworking
Nyasaland Mahogany specialty applications and turned work.

Traditional and modern applications include quality furniture, cabinetry, doors, interior joinery, veneer, carving, turning, shade planting, and protected construction. Suitability depends on board quality, dryness, grain orientation, intended exposure, and the legality and traceability of the material.

Sustainability & Notes

Kew currently accepts Khaya nyasica while noting that an alternative treatment placed it within K. anthotheca; African populations of Khaya are included in CITES Appendix II with annotation #17. Conservation categories and trade rules can change, and national controls may be stricter than international listings. Before purchasing, exporting, or importing material, verify the accepted botanical name, source country, harvest date, chain of custody, and any permits that apply.

Prefer reclaimed wood, plantation material where appropriate, independently certified stock, or inventory with a clear documented history. Use scarce timber efficiently and retain invoices and permits with collector samples.

Comparative Notes & Related Species

East African Mahogany (Khaya anthotheca) – A closely related African mahogany with overlapping trade use and broadly similar reddish-brown timber.

Large-Leaved African Mahogany (Khaya grandifoliola) – Another Khaya species; provenance and botanical identification help separate the similar commercial timber.

Senegal Mahogany (Khaya senegalensis) – A generally drier-region Khaya whose wood is also traded as African mahogany.

Related Guides

Compare Wood Properties

See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.

Collector Notes

Label each sample with the scientific name, common or trade name, source, purchase date, and documentation reference. Preserve a freshly sanded comparison area away from direct light because many woods darken over time. A useful reference sample shows both face grain and clean end grain.

Share Your Photos of This Species

Have a verified tree photograph, wood sample, board, or finished project? Visit the Share Your Photos Page and include the common name, scientific name if known, location, and a short description.

Wood Sample Collection

This species is part of our growing reference collection. Learn how to contribute at Donate Wood Samples.

Resources

Love This Species?

Enjoy learning about this wood species?

Help support the continued growth of Exotic Woods of the World by participating in our Adopt a Species program. Your support helps fund species research, educational content, photography, videos, and future conservation awareness initiatives.

Adopt This Species

Support Forest Conservation

This species is part of the growing Exotic Woods of the World reference archive, dedicated to documenting and preserving knowledge of the world’s wood species.

Through the Adopt a Species program, visitors can help support ongoing species research, educational content, photography, video production, and future conservation awareness initiatives.

Contributions help fund the continued expansion of this archive while promoting sustainable forestry education and the long-term appreciation of the world’s forests.

Interested in supporting this species? Visit our Adopt a Species and Conservation Partners pages to learn more.

Availability & Where to Buy

Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.

As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.

Lumber Suppliers:

Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.

Related Tools & Products:

Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.

Stay Connected

Follow the latest species additions, educational resources, videos, conservation initiatives, and major project milestones through our Site Updates archive.

The Site Updates archive provides a permanent record of new content, library growth, and future developments across Exotic Woods of the World.

View Site Updates