Pseudospondias

Pseudospondias is a genus of flowering plants in the family Sapotaceae, native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. The genus includes about 10 species of trees and shrubs, known for their distinctive, palmate leaves and showy, often fragrant flowers. Pseudospondias trees are valued for their timber, which is used in construction and furniture making, and for their edible fruits, which are consumed fresh or used in various culinary preparations. The most well-known species is Pseudospondias elliptica, commonly known as the African mahogany or African blackwood, which is highly prized for its attractive wood grain and durability. Pseudospondias plants are also cultivated for their ornamental value, with many species being grown in gardens and parks for their attractive foliage and flowers. The genus Pseudospondias is closely related to the genus Spondias, and the two genera are sometimes combined under the name Spondias. However, recent molecular phylogenetic studies have supported the separation of the two genera.