There are many types of Afzelia. The Afzelia xylocarpa grows in Southeast Asia in moist tropical areas: Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and parts of southern China.

The lumber from this tree is used to make furniture, boats, and in house construction, flooring and paneling. In the wild, large specimens have been over harvested and are becoming rare. Wood/lumber from the Afzelia xylocarpa is also known as Rosewood, Siamese Rosewood, Blackwood, and Afzelia Xylay, and sometimes is called Teak. Other names for this lumber used by woodworkers are Doussie, Makamong, nd Afzelia Lay.

As the trees grow, burls develop. These deformities in the tree are known to woodworkers as Xylay Burl, Xylay Lace, Afzelia Lace, etc. Some of the finest burl wood is harvested in the wild in Cambodia and Laos. These burls are highly valued by woodworkers to make musical instruments, pens, knife handles, and gun grips, and as carved art pieces.

Before using as a food source or for medicinal purposes, please be sure you have correctly identified the tree, as some types of Afzelia have poisonous seed. Afzelia xylocarpa cotyledons are eaten as food. The sprouted seed is dried, shredded, and boiled to make a medicinal soup. The seeds have anti-inflammatory medicinal properties. The bark contains tannin, is astringent, and is used medicinally. The bark also produces "catechol," which is used in the tanning of leather goods. The pulp of the seed is used to make adhesives and cigarettes.

Afzelia xylocarpa have a dormancy period and can take one year to germinate. This time can be reduced by nicking the tough seed coat and pre-soaking the seed 24 hours prior to planting. Germination time can be as little as 20 days. Reforestation programs in Northern Thailand are growing Afzelia xylocarpa and other trees which are considered to be "framework species." The A. xylocarpa can be planted out at about 14 months, and as it grows it will develop a broad, dense crown, which will suppress weeds. The trees provide bird perches and nesting sites. The A. xylocarpa fixes nitrogen and can improve the soil in the surrounding area where fertility may be low, thus aiding in the re-growth of new forest plants.

Reply to this comment