Entandrophragma caudatum

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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The Mountain Mahogany (Entandrophragma caudatum) is a beautiful tree that can grow up to 20 feet tall with a dense crown of glossy, dark green leaves. It blooms with fragrant white to yellowish flowers during the autumn and winter months and produces distinctive woody fruit capsules. This tree is frost-tolerant and can withstand temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods of time. It is native to Southern Africa.

Caring for the Mountain Mahogany is easy as it thrives in full sun and only requires moderate water. It is suitable for USDA zones 9-11 and is fairly drought tolerant once it is established. If you live in a cooler region, you can still grow this tree by planting it in a well-draining pot with some insulation and keeping it in a sheltered location. To do this, you can place the pot against walls or close to your house for protection from cold temperatures and use a potting mix that is well-draining, light, and airy. Remember to also protect the pot from heavy rainfall and make sure it has proper drainage holes. If you live in a colder climate, it is best to keep the pot inside or in a protected area during the winter months.

The Mountain Mahogany is a deciduous tree that is commonly found in river valleys and open woodlands on rocky slopes and ridges. Its fruit is cigar or club-shaped when green and turns into a woody, pale brown capsule when mature. The fruit has the appearance of a half-peeled banana and contains large, winged seeds that can be carried by the wind.