This large tree, known commonly as large-leaved mahogany, has a widespread distribution across tropical Africa from Guinea to northern Uganda. It is most frequently found growing alongside watercourses. When young, the leaves of this species are strikingly red colour.
Khaya grandifolioa is found primarily in Northern Uganda, particularly the municipality of Moyo and in the Budongo Central Forest Reserve, the latter of which is where the largest population of individuals of this species can be found.
Also known as African mahogany, it is highly valued for its timber. The heartwood of Mahogany is desirable for its dark, red-brown colour and aromatic odour. It is ideal for making panels, luxury cabinets and furniture works. Large trees are selectively targeted in the wild which has resulted in poor natural regeneration.
It is also valued by local communities for its use in traditional medicine to treat malaria and liver-related diseases.
Local community members will be directly empowered. Seed of Khaya grandifoliola will be collected and grown in a community-led nursery. Community members will be trained to plant and restore forests with threatened trees species such as Khaya grandifoliola. Training will also be delivered on how to establish a monitoring programme, which is essential for determining growth rates and seedling health.
These training programmes will also increase awareness of the various uses of native tree species and directly address the need to promote threatened species conservation. A more direct benefit will be that local communities will gain access to new food sources, medicines and materials to be used sustainably once trees reach maturity. Saving this species will also serve as a source of food to attract local wildlife, thus increasing the potential for eco-tourism in the region. Furthermore, by saving this species local communities will be better able to protect their cultural heritage.