Mahogany Tree

Mahogany Tree Facts & Types of Mahogany Trees

Scientific Name: Swietenia mahogoni
Some general information on the mahogany tree.
The name mahogany is used when referring to numerous varieties of reddish
dark-colored hardwood. It is a native American word originally used for the
wood of the species Swietenia mahagoni, known as West Indian or Cuban
mahogany.
The term was next applied to the wood of Swietenia macrophylla, which is
closely related, and known as Honduras mahogany. Both are from the
Meliaceae family. Mahongany Wood is sold and cut into dimension lumber
for furniture, bars plus sold as panelling for wall finishes.
Today, all species of Swietenia grown in their native locations are listed by
CITES, and are therefore protected. Both Swietenia mahagoni, and Swietenia
macrophylla were introduced into several Asian countries at the time of the
restrictions imposed on American mahogany in the late 1990s and both are
now successfully grown and harvested in plantations in those countries. The
world's supply of genuine mahogany today comes from these Asian
plantations, notably from India, Fiji, Bangladesh, and Indonesia.

Species of Swietenia cross-fertilise readily when they grow in proximity; the

hybrid between S. mahagoni and S. macrophylla is widely planted for its
timber. Mahogany is the national tree of Dominican Republic and Belize. It
also appears on the national seal of Belize.
The seeds or fruit of the Swietenia Mahogany (Swietenia Macrophyllae) tree is
commonly called "SKY FRUIT" or bitter fruit. It is called "sky fruit because the fruit
points up to the sky.
Mahogany Species: Feature Big Leaf Mahogany
Mahogany, Big Leaf
Swietenia macrophylla
The majestic mahogany tree towers above the forest canopy. The large
compound leaves are arranged in pairs on a central stem. The bark is dark
brown, flaky and has a sweet smell. The tree produces small, fragrant clusters
of white flowers in April. Prefers deep, rich well drained soil.
Type of Tree:
The Big Leaf Mahogany falls into the following type(s): Ornamental Trees,
Shade Trees
Mature Height:
The Big Leaf Mahogany grows to be 150' - 200' feet in height.
Mature Spread:
The Big Leaf Mahogany has a large broad crown and a trunk that can
measure up to 6 feet in diameter.
Growth Rate:
This tree grows at a slow growth rate.
Sun:
The mahogany tree does well in full sun.
Soil:
The Big Leaf Mahogany prefers rich, deep, well drained soils.
Moisture:
Well drained. The tree is very drought sensitive.

Shape:
Mature tree crowns tend to be irregular in shape.
Leaves:
The leaves from this tree are up to 20 inches long, these large pinnate leaves
consist of 3 to 6 pairs with no terminal leaf
Flower Color:
Small, fragrant white or yellow/green flowers arranged in loose clusters.
Bloom Time:
April-June.
Fruit Description:
The fruit of the Big Leaf Mahogany is a large pear shaped capsule, the fruit
usually ripens around January to March. The mahogany fruit is grey/brown in
color and is filled with numerous seeds.
Big Leaf Mahogany Additional Info
Attributes:
The big leaf mahogany is a majestic tree that towers above the rain forest
canopy. Harvested for its wood which is both beautiful and durable it is used
to make furniture and musical instruments.
Description:
The majestic big leaf mahogany tree reaches heights of 200 feet and can be
seen high above the rain forest canopy. It can live for over 350 years if not
harvested by humans for it popular wood. Its dark brown bark has a sweet
smell and its leaves can be as long as 20 inches. The gray-brown woody fruit
splits open to reveal up to 60 winged seeds which are dispersed by the wind.
Wildlife Value:
History/Lore/Use:
Due to over-exploitation the big leaf mahogany could become commercially
extinct within a few years unless measures are taken to protect the species.
Mahogany wood is used for making furniture and cabinets, musical
instruments, floors and doors.

Common Uses of Mahogany Wood

Mahogany Tree Wood has a generally straight grain and is usually free of
voids and pockets. It has a reddish-brown color, which darkens over time, and
displays a reddish sheen when polished. It has excellent workability, and is
very durable. Historically, the tree's girth allowed for wide boards from
traditional mahogany species. These properties make it a favorable wood for
crafting cabinets and furniture.
Much of the first-quality furniture made in the American colonies from the mid
18th century, when the wood first became available to American craftsmen,
was made of mahogany. Mahogany is still widely used for fine furniture;
however, the rarity of Cuban mahogany and over harvesting of Honduras
mahogany has diminished their use. Mahogany also resists wood rot, making
it attractive in boat construction. It is also often used for musical instruments,
particularly the backs of acoustic guitars and drums shells because of its
ability to produce a very deep, warm tone compared to other commonly used
woods such as Maple or Birch.
A wide variety of electric guitars are also made with mahogany, notably the
famous Gibson Les Paul, which uses a sandwiched body with a maple cap
over a mahogany core. The tighter grain of maple generally yields a brighter
tone, the combination of woods produce a warm, rounded tone with great
sustain, as well as weight, for which the guitar is famous. The Gibson SG, and
most of the PRS Guitars among others make use of Mahogany for the entire
body, and often for the neck as well.