mahagoni

Mahagoni, in the timber trade often called mahogany, refers to wood from several tropical hardwood trees of the genus Swietenia. The true mahogany species most relevant to commerce are Swietenia macrophylla (big-leaf or Honduran mahogany), Swietenia mahagoni (Caribbean mahogany), and Swietenia humboldti (Humboldt mahogany). Of these, S. macrophylla is the most widely exploited for timber.

The heartwood of mahogany ranges from reddish-brown to dark brown and is usually evenly colored with a fine, straight to interlocked grain. The wood is dense and durable, takes finishes well, and resists attack by many fungi, contributing to its reputation for stability and beauty. It can be worked smoothly by hand or machine, though interlocked grain can complicate planing and routing. Mahogany is valued for high-end furniture, cabinetry, veneers, and decorative plywood, as well as for musical instrument parts and interior trim.

Native distribution varies by species. Swietenia macrophylla occurs from southern Mexico through the Amazon basin in South America, while Swietenia mahagoni is native to the Caribbean and nearby regions, and Swietenia humboldti to parts of Central America and northern South America. Because of heavy harvesting and habitat loss, all three are subject to strict controls in international trade.

Conservation and regulation: all true mahogany species are listed in CITES Appendix II to regulate trade and promote sustainable management. In practice, legal harvest often requires permits and adherence to sustainable forestry practices; illegal logging remains a concern in some areas. In the market, the term mahogany is sometimes extended to similar timbers from other genera, such as Khaya, but true mahogany refers to Swietenia species.