ExploreTrees

Mahogany

Swietenia mahagoni

Mahogany trees are tall and strong with beautiful reddish-brown wood. They grow in tropical forests and provide homes for many animals.

Habitat: Tropical forests

Appearance

The Mahogany is a majestic tropical tree with a tall, straight trunk covered in reddish-brown bark that flakes off in large plates. Its dense canopy holds dark green, pinnate leaves, sometimes showing reddish new growth, giving it a stately appearance.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderSapindalesFamilyMeliaceaeGenusSwietenia
Mahogany
deciduous trait badgeshade_tolerant trait badgebroadleaf_tree trait badgefruit_bearing trait badge
Mahogany

Category

Trees

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Even though it's a tree, its tiny flowers produce a sweet perfume!

Its valuable reddish wood was once called 'red gold' by treasure-seeking explorers!

Mahogany trees can grow so tall, they reach higher than a 15-story building!

Many famous musical instruments, like guitars, use mahogany for their rich sound!

Special abilities

Ability

Rot Resistance

Mahogany has wood naturally resistant to decay and insects, helping it stand strong for centuries even in humid rainforests.

Ability

Gliding Seeds

Mahogany seeds have clever 'wings' that make them spin and glide away from the parent tree, finding new places to grow.

Ability

Deep Roots

Mahogany has deep roots to access groundwater during dry spells, helping it survive seasonal droughts in its habitat.

Ability

Fast Starter

Young Mahogany trees can grow quickly, allowing them to rapidly reach for sunlight in dense, competitive forests.

Measurements & details

Height
30-60 m
Canopy Spread
15-30 m
Edible
No
Trunk Diameter
100-250 cm
Lifespan
200-350 years
Fruit Type
Woody capsule
Growth Rate
Medium
Leaf Type
Evergreen

Ecological connections

eaten by

Scarlet Macaw

Ara macao

eats seeds from its woody capsules

pollinates

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

collects nectar from its small flowers

shelters

Mantled Howler Monkey

Alouatta palliata

rests and forages in its dense canopy

eaten by

Mahogany shoot borer

Hypsipyla grandella

larvae bore into shoots and fruits

Traits

Also known as

Mahogany TreeSwietenia

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy looking at mahogany trees from a safe distance and avoid climbing them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Mahogany?

30-60 m

How wide does Mahogany spread?

15-30 m

Is Mahogany edible?

No

How big is Mahogany?

100-250 cm

How long does Mahogany live?

200-350 years

Where is Mahogany usually found?

Tropical forests

What kind of fruit does Mahogany produce?

Woody capsule

How fast does Mahogany grow?

Medium

Snap Map

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