In Africa, diploid and tetraploid tree species are found in the Afzelia genus. Genetic and morphological data indicate that only diploid species are well delimited. Afzelia crown age is 14–20 Ma while tetraploids started diversifying 7–9 Ma. Nuclear/plastid incongruence suggests incomplete lineage sorting or hybridisation. Polyploidisation might facilitate dry/rain forests habitat shift in tropical trees.