mahoganies

Mahogany refers to a group of tropical hardwoods valued for their color, figure, and durability. True mahogany consists of several species in the genus Swietenia, most notably Swietenia mahagoni (Caribbean/West Indian mahogany) and Swietenia macrophylla (often called Honduran or broad-leaved mahogany). The term is also used commercially for other unrelated timber species—primarily Khaya spp. from Africa and various Entandophragma species—sold under the mahogany label in markets around the world.

True mahogany woods are typically reddish-brown, with heartwood that darkens with age. They have a fine, often straight grain, good dimensional stability, and natural resistance to decay. The wood is relatively easy to work with hand and machine tools and takes finishes to a high polish, making it a preferred material for high-end furniture, cabinetry, veneers, musical instruments, and boatbuilding.

Because of heavy historical harvesting, many Swietenia populations are restricted in international trade. Swietenia macrophylla and Swietenia mahagoni are listed on CITES Appendix II, requiring permits and documentation to export, to minimize illegal logging. Other so-called mahogany species are subject to their own regional management and certification schemes to promote sustainable sourcing.

In modern markets, sustainable supply chains often emphasize plantation-grown sources, substitutions with other durable hardwoods, and certification programs such as FSC to reduce pressure on wild populations.