Afzelia
Afzelia quanzensis
This handsome tree is known locally as mkongo, mbambakofi (and variations such as mbambamgofi). In English the tree is known as spectacle case tree, on account of the shape of the fruit.
It is found throughout most of Kilwa District and is widespread in different habitats from Kenya to Angola. There are tall specimens growing to well over 20m in some patches of coastal forest and in denser miombo woodland, but most trees are in shorter and along seasonal stream courses. Many trees branch low down into 2 or 3 stems. Mature specimens typically have a spreading canopy. During the dry season it is easily identifiable by the large, very woody, black pods. These remain on the tree after splitting in two to reveal the shiny black seeds inside that are nearly 3cm long. The seeds drop to the ground where their waxy orange cap (aril) is eaten by ants. At the start of the short rains in early November, as the tree comes into leaf, it produces fragrant green flowers with a reddish coloured upright flag petal and green outer ‘petals’ (sepals), giving the air around a spicy-sweet fragrance. The leaves are very glossy, almost evergreen and are typical made up of 7 or 9 large leaflets. Initially Afzelia has smooth, almost pinkish thin bark, but older specimens have thicker tan bark that peels off in large pieces.
 A. quanzensis flowers
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 A. quanzensis pods
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 A. quanzensis seeds
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The warm, pink-tinged orange timber is locally used in furniture-making. It has a characteristic grain. The timber is too dense for many local uses but historically it was used for making traditional Zanzibar-style doors. The seeds are used as counters in board games e.g. bao.
 A. quanzensis leaves
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 A. quanzensis trunk
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 A. quanzensis timber
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