The West Indian Mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni)
The West Indian mahogany, also known as Kuvan mahogany or simply mahogany, is a tropical tree native to the Caribbean, particularly to islands such as Kuva, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, and parts of Florida in the United States. Its scientific name is Swietenia mahagoni, and it belongs to the Meliaceae family.
It is a large tree that can reach heights of 20 to 30 meters (65 to 100 feet), with a straight, sturdy trunk that often branches high up. Its bark is grayish-brown and tends to peel off in plates. The leaves are compound, with a glossy deep green color, and its flowers, though small and not very showy, are greenish-white. It produces woody capsule-shaped fruits that open to release winged seeds.
The wood of the West Indian mahogany is renowned worldwide for its beauty, durability, and workability. It has a distinctive reddish-brown color that darkens over time and features an attractive grain. Thanks to these qualities, it has been highly sought after for the making of fine furniture, musical instruments, boats, and luxury carpentry work.
Unfortunately, intensive exploitation over centuries has led to a sharp decline in its natural populations. Today, the species is protected and regulated in many countries, and it is listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Beyond its economic value, the West Indian mahogany also plays a crucial ecological role in its natural habitat, providing shade, shelter, and food for numerous animal species.
