Each Khaya species adapts better to a region, in general the Grandifoliola adapts well in almost all of Brazil, if it is a very arid region, Senegalensis will be more suitable. The evaluation of a technician is required.
Contact our Association, we have qualified members who can provide them in almost all of Brazil. Our associates who supply seedlings are:
Actually, no problem. Most of the plantations come from the mother trees of Grandifoliola, from Embrapa do Pará. However, over the years, new seeds arrived in Brazil and other trees that were identified as being different from Grandifoliola also produced seeds that were disseminated without much control of what species they would be. After the arrival of Dr Gaël, the greatest specialist in Khayas today, it became known that there are other species planted and perhaps even new species may have appeared from these mixtures. Several discussions have already arisen between producers on this issue, and what Dr. Gaël himself noted is that all of them are Khayas, and that the commercialization, even of African Mahogany, is done without much distinction of species, which should not be a reason for much concern for producers.
The new Forestry Code (Federal Law nº 12.651 / 2012), which provides for the protection of native vegetation, establishes that, as it is an exotic (non-native) species, this type of planting does not depend on authorization. However, it is mandatory that the activity be informed to the competent bodies: Art. 35, § 1: “The planting or reforestation with native forest species does not require prior authorization, provided that the limitations and conditions established by this Law are observed, and must be informed to the competent body, within a period of up to 1 (one) year, for purposes of origin control. ”Since the establishment of this law in 2012, the forms for registering plantations in Minas Gerais had not yet been made available. The guidelines were only recently established in February 2020, by Ordinance 28 of the State Forestry Institute (IEF) of Minas Gerais. See the complete ordinance here. http://www.siam.mg.gov.br/sla/download.pdf?idNorma=51046
It was defined by the IEF that all planters, of African Mahogany (or other exotic species), from Minas Gerais must register their plantings within the following deadlines; New plantings from the publication of the ordinance; They must be registered within one year after their implantation. prior to the ordinance; They must be registered until the harvest date. To register with the IEF, it is necessary to fill out forms for each of the rural properties. In these documents, the data of each field must be detailed, in spreadsheet and file and in shapefile format https://www.clickgeo.com.br/limitacoes-e-caracteristicas-formato-shapefile/This registration is an important step for the mapping of existing plantations in Minas Gerais.
The Khaya Grandifoliola showed good adaptation to the soil and climate of most of Brazil. This species has characteristics very similar to those of Brazilian Mahogany, which increases its relevance in the international market and favors its commercialization. As it is a quality wood with low incidence of pests and easy to handle, it is an investment that brings a satisfactory return, yielding up to R$ 300 thousand per hectare of processed wood. In addition, all technical knowledge is valid to be able to have a correct base of identification of the species to be planted and also to guide future decision making with the objective of obtaining success in the planting of African Mahogany in Brazil.
According to the technical studies of Embrapa, the four species of khaya that are most interesting for commercial planting and obtaining noble wood in Brazil are: Khaya anthotheca, Khaya grandifoliola, Khaya ivorensis and Khaya senegalensis. Khaya senegalensis and Khaya grandifoliola are the species with greater planting area in Brazil, due to better adaptation to the climate and soil, being, therefore, more promising in terms of profitability for producers. Still, it is relevant to understand the differences between each species to facilitate, not only the process of buying the seedlings, but also the planting and management of the forest. Knowing the technical aspects such as growth of the trunks, shape of the leaves, among other characteristics of each species, serves to guide the choice of the producer and his future actions in the forestry of African mahogany. Click on the tabs on the side, and see the details of each of the species found in Brazil.
The species Khaya anthotheca is best suited for deep fertile alluvial soils, such as river banks and hillsides. Its development occurs best at altitudes ranging from low to medium, going up to 1,500m and with annual average rainfall between 1,200mm and 1,800mm. Its leaves have a very smooth texture and the secondary and tertiary ribs are not very apparent. The height of the trees of Khaya anthotheca can reach from 40m to 65m, with the stem (commercial part of the trunk) reaching 30m. Known as white mahogany, the wood of this species can be used for the manufacture of furniture, floors, panels, boats and canoes, standing out for use in any application that requires good quality and medium weight wood.
It is a species of easy adaptation to the alluvial soils of valleys, humid and well drained. It is a tree that benefits from light when it is well established, but is also tolerant to shade. It develops very well at altitudes of up to 1,400m and in places with annual rainfall between 1,200mm and 1,800mm. The size of the trees of Khaya grandifoliola is considered medium to high, reaching up to 40m in height, with the stem having a maximum size of 23 m. The trunks are slanted near the top and the leaves are olive green, with very remarkable venation. Known as mahogany-of-large-leaf, khaya grandifoliola has wood valued for carpentry, joinery, furniture, and is also used from light constructions to shipbuilding. It is the most planted species in Brazilian territory, as it has adapted very well to the climate and soil.
A plant which develops very well in low-lying humid tropical regions (up to 700m) and with rainfall between 1,600mm and 2,500mm. The ideal soils for planting should be well drained alluvial, but it also has good growth in lateritic soils on hillsides. With very tall trees, reaching up to 60m in height, it has a straight trunk and, in general, free of branches up to 30m. Its leaves are much smaller compared to other species and pointed at its apex. Known as red mahogany, its wood can be used in the furniture segment to even heavier constructions such as naval. Until 2019 it was believed to be the most planted in Brazil. However, after a botanical study and reclassification by the Congolese specialist Dr. Ulrich Gaël, it was found that the species most planted in Brazil was actually Khaya grandifoliola, and not ivorensis.
This species has good growth in humid places and along water courses, with ease to develop in deep and well drained alluvial soils. It prefers places with an altitude of up to 1,800m and annual rainfall between 650mm and 1300mm. Of medium size, the trunks of Khaya senegalensis reach up to 35m in height with a tortuous shape and low branching. Its leaves are a vivid olive green with yellow veins. Commonly known as dry zone mahogany, its wood is used for carpentry, joinery and decorative veneers. It is the second most planted species in Brazil, especially in areas with sandy soils and water deficiency. Besides all the technical aspects, such as soil, climate and relief, a good tip to differentiate the species is to analyze the leaves of the seedlings.
“Before starting your planting, look for an agronomist who is a specialist and experienced in African Mahogany. This professional should be able to estimate your investment, guide you on the best species to be planted in your soil, climatic conditions in your region, choice of seedlings or seeds. The planting of African mahogany is a business like any other, which requires monitoring and investments. These actions will determine success in harvesting your forest. ” ABPMA
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