Meliaceae

Meliaceae, the mahogany family, is a family of flowering plants in the order Sapindales. It contains about 50 genera and around 570–600 species of woody plants, mainly tropical and subtropical trees and shrubs. The family is cosmopolitan in the tropics, with greatest diversity in the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Economically important members include the true mahoganies Swietenia and the African mahoganies Khaya, Cedrela (Spanish cedar), Toona (Australian cedar), Melia (chinaberry), Azadirachta (neem), Carapa (andiroba), among others.

Morphology: Most Meliaceae are evergreen or deciduous trees or shrubs with alternate leaves, often pinnate or bipinnate. Flowers are typically small, bisexual or unisexual, and arranged in panicles or cymes. The fruit types vary, including capsules, drupes, and nuts; seeds may be oily and resinous.

Chemistry and ecology: The family produces limonoids, bitter compounds with insect-deterrent properties. They occur in many species and contribute to ecological interactions with herbivores. Habitat ranges from wet tropical forests to drier woodlands; several species are cultivated or planted as ornamentals or for timber.

Uses and significance: Timber from Swietenia, Khaya, and Cedrela is valued for veneer and quality wood; Toona and Carapa provide timber and oil. Neem (Azadirachta indica) is cultivated for its insecticidal and medicinal uses, and Melia species are used ornamentally. Some species have traditional medicinal applications and essential oils.

Conservation: Many species face threats from overharvesting, habitat loss, and illegal logging. Sustainable forestry, protected areas, and cultivation help mitigate pressures.