Big Leaf Mahogany

The Big Leaf Mahogany is a hardwood found from southern Mexico through Central America and throughout much of the Amazon basin, including Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru.  Its scientific name is Swietenia macrophylla.

The Big Leaf Mahogany tends to grow as individual trees rather than in forests.  It is a huge tree with a massive trunk.  The leaves are found in even groups on either side of the midrib.  The bark smells very sweet and has small white flowers.  The fruit release winged seeds that are dispersed by the wind.

The wood is used to make furniture, paneling, lumber, and musical instruments.Unfortunately overharvesting, illegal harvesting and lack of regeneration have led to the Big Leaf Mahogany becoming endangered.

Credits:

We used information from the following web sites to write this page:

http://www.arkive.org/species/GES/plants_and_algae/Swietenia_macrophylla/

http://www.extravalue.com/mahogany.shtml

http://www.globaltrees.org/reso_tree.asp?id=35

http://www.worldwildlife.org/trade/faqs_mahogany.cfm