Mahogany Tree Information

Many trees with reddish-brown wood are commonly called mahogany trees. Technically speaking, only species that belong to the genus Swietenia are truly classified as mahogany trees, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Types

The Swietenia genus is subdivided into three species: bigleaf, Pacific coast or Honduran and Caribbean mahogany. Both Caribbean and Pacific coast varieties are considered commercially extinct, so most commercial lumber comes from the bigleaf variety. Rainforest Relief lists a fourth variety called Venezuelan mahogany. African mahogany varieties are not true mahoganies, although they are distantly related.

Geography

Mahogany trees are native to South and Central America. They grow in tropical climates with high rainfall amounts. Leading manufacturing countries include Brazil, Peru and Bolivia.

Features

Mahogany tree wood is a strong wood with a fine grain pattern and rich color. It is commonly used to make furniture, musical instruments, doors and caskets. Bigleaf mahogany can grow over 150 feet tall with a diameter of 6 feet.

References

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Mahogany General Overview
• Rainforest Relief: Mahogany