Scientific Name: Alfzelia quinsensis

Common Name: Pod Mahogany

Kiswahili Name: Mbombakofi

An unexpected result of an 8th grade science project at the International School of Tanganyika involving the scarification treatment of hard coated tree seeds led to the germination and growth of one albino tree out of a 100 seed sample size.

These photos of the albino mahogany tree were taken in the spring of 2001 after two months of growth. The albino eventually dropped all leaves, appeared dormant for a few weeks before growing a single short branch with minature shaped leaves. These remained for only a few days before eventually dropping off. The remaining stem then slowly withered and died.

The Pod Mahogany is an endangered species of hardwood that grows in the coastal region of eastern Africa. Its use as building material for boats, furniture and doors has led to its rapid decline.

The tree grew to a height of about 35 cm before dropping its leaves.

The lack of chlorophyll is the only physical difference.

These seed leaves/cotyledons were the primary source of energy. When they dried up, so did the rest of the tree.

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