About Afzelia quanzensis Welw.
Afzelia quanzensis Welw. is a deciduous tree that usually grows up to 20 metres (66 ft) tall, and occasionally reaches 35 metres in height. It has smooth, grey bark that can flake off in irregular patches, plus glossy dark green leaves. This tree flowers between October and November; its flowers each bear one large, solitary red petal. After flowering, it produces a thick, woody seed capsule (pod) that can grow up to 23 cm (9.1 in) long. Each pod holds 6 or 7 black seeds, each with a hard, bright red aril that covers one end of the seed. The seeds are sometimes used to make traditional native necklaces. Its timber is an ornamental hardwood, used for furniture, parquet flooring, and railway sleepers. This species may also be used in traditional medicine.
