High-Quality Spanish Mahogany (Swietenia mahogani) Plants for Sale

Description

Common name:

Mahogany, Spanish Mahogany

Regional name:

Marathi - Mahogani, Hindi - Mahogani, Bengali - Mehagoni

Category:

Trees

Family:

Meliaceae or Neem family

Light:

Sun growing

Water:

Normal, Can tolerate less, Can tolerate more

Primarily grown for:

Foliage

Flowering season:

January, February, March, April, May

Flower or Inflorescence color:

Yellow

Foliage color:

Green

Plant Height or length:

More than 12 meters

Plant Spread or Width:

More than 12 meters

Plant Form:

Spreading, Upright or Erect

Plant Description:

Swietenia mahogani is a species of tree in the Meliaceae family, native to southern Florida, the Caribbean, and Central America. It is commonly known as the "West Indian mahogany" or "genuine mahogany." The tree can grow up to 40 meters tall, and its trunk can have a diameter of 1.5 meters. The leaves are evergreen and pinnate, with a distinctive orange-brown pubescence on the underside. The tree produces small, greenish-yellow flowers, followed by brownish-red fruits. The wood of the tree is highly valued for its attractive color, straight grain, and durability, making it a popular choice for furniture, cabinetry, and flooring. However, due to over-harvesting, the species is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN.

Growing tips:

Caring for a Swietenia mahogani tree can vary depending on the specific conditions of the environment where it's grown. Here are some general guidelines for caring for the tree:

• Planting: The tree prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can be grown in full sun or partial shade, but it may not perform as well in deep shade. When planting the tree, make sure to dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.

• Watering: The tree prefers to be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. This can be achieved by setting up a watering schedule and using a soil moisture meter to check the soil moisture level.

• Fertilizing: young trees can benefit from a general purpose fertilizer containing a balanced ratio of NPK ( Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) once or twice per year.

• Pruning: Pruning is not strictly necessary, but can be done to shape or control the size of the tree. Prune the tree while it is still young to establish a strong framework of branches.

• Pests and Diseases: The tree can be susceptible to pests and diseases such as Mahogany shoot borer, Mahogany webworm, Mahogany mistletoe and Mahogany fungus. Regular monitoring and timely action will help keep the tree healthy

• Climate: Swietenia mahogani is a tropical species, it needs a warm and humid climate to grow, temperatures below freezing will harm the tree, also dryness may cause stress to the tree.

It's worth noting that, as the species is listed as vulnerable due to over-harvesting, it's important to consider the conservation status before planting or purchasing this tree.

Benefits:

Swietenia mahogani, also known as West Indian mahogany or genuine mahogany, has a number of benefits, both in terms of its wood and ecological value.

• Timber: The wood of the tree is highly prized for its attractive color, straight grain, and durability. It's used in the construction of furniture, flooring, cabinetry, and decorative items. Additionally, the wood is known to have good resistance to rot, decay, and termites.

• Ecological value: The tree is an important source of food and habitat for many animals, such as birds, bats, and insects. The tree also helps to maintain soil stability and improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.

• Aesthetic value : The tree is also useful for providing shade and beauty in public spaces and parks, it is a ornamental tree that can be used for landscaping.

• Cultural value: The tree has an important historical and cultural significance in many countries in Central America, The Caribbean and southern Florida, where it is used for traditional crafts and ceremonies.

It's worth noting that despite the tree's benefits, its over-harvesting has resulted in a decline in its populations and it is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. Conservation efforts are being made to ensure the tree's survival, and it's important to consider the conservation status before planting or purchasing this tree.