Is mahogany an evergreen tree?
The mahogany is a large, semi-evergreen tree with a canopy that casts dappled shade. It is a popular landscape tree in Southern Florida. Mahogany tree facts describe the trees as being very tall.
Are mahogany trees fast growing?
This opens in a new window. In its natural habitat, a Mahogany tree grows relatively fast much like most tropical trees - about 3 to 4 feet per year. Where Mahogany competes with other plants it can grow even faster. Mahogany is a dominant first story tree and as such does not grow well in shade.
What are some importance of a mahogany tree?
Mahogany Wood Uses
- Flooring. Mahogany wood is known for its hardness and long life with beauty. ...
- Plywood Veneers. Due to its good grain and density, it is used to make veneer sheets. ...
- Boats. It is easy to choose wood for homes and other construction projects. ...
- Jewelry Box. Look, Matter, Mahogany wood is used to make jewelry boxes. ...
How old can a mahogany tree live to?
Mahogany is slow-growing tree that can survive 350 years in the wild. Click to see full answer. Subsequently, one may also ask, how long does a mahogany tree take to mature? Subsequently, question is, where does the mahogany tree grow? The Swietenia mahagoni is native to southern Florida, the Caribbean, and the West Indies.
Are mahogany trees protected in Florida?
In fact, Mahogany is under legal protection in Florida. It is on the state's Endangered and Threatened list. Mahogany is not suitable for wet areas. Though many different trees from all over the world are called Mahogany, the name properly belongs to the species of the genus Swietenia.
Where is mahogany native to?
Mahogany grows only in fairly specific climate zones, which includes the West Indies, particularly Cuba, Santo Domingo, and Jamaica, with small quantities of the same varieties occurring in the southern tip of Florida.
Is mahogany an invasive species?
Of these tree species, only mahogany is a potential bio-invasive species in the logged-over forest and is threatening to out compete the indigenous dipterocarp and non-dipterocarp tree species. Mahogany is successful at invading natural forests due to the following attributes of the species.
Why mahogany tree is invasive?
It doesn't care what the others around it are feeling. It won't share its position in the food chain and if you don't like it, GTFO. It just so happens that soil with a serving of acidity that Mahogany loves so much isn't so good for other organisms. This makes them very invasive and able to choke out other plants.
Why is mahogany illegal?
Following the path of ivory, in 2003, mahogany was listed on the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) as a species in need of strict regulation to prevent its extinction. Because Peruvian mahogany is traded in violation of CITES, it is illegal to trade or possess it under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.
Why is mahogany so valuable?
Mahogany is a commercially important lumber prized for its beauty, durability, and color, and used for paneling and to make furniture, boats, musical instruments and other items.
Is mahogany a good tree to plant?
Mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni) casts a light, dappled shade on the ground below, making it a great shade tree for landscapes with enough room for it to thrive. Mahogany trees that are planted along streets or in medians, or even in private landscapes, form a beautiful overhead canopy that can be enjoyed by all.
Is mahogany good for the environment?
Mahogany is fairly sustainable wood thanks to trees' carbon sequestration, carbon storage in products, generally long product life, and carbon offset upon recycling. However, you have to watch out that it comes from a sustainable source too and not from illegal logging or monocropping.
What are the benefits of mahogany tree?
Mahogany wood can be very strong, which makes it good for constructing durable furniture and also used for carving....Mahogany BarkMay Boost Fertility. ... Cures Fever and Malaria. ... Might Control Blood Sugar. ... Improves Heart Health. ... Reduces The Risks Of Hypertension. ... Boosts The Immune System.More items...•
What happens if you tap a mahogany tree?
A Mahogany Tree is a common tree that grows from a Mahogany Seed. It yields Sap every day when tapped. It can be chopped down with an axe, producing 8-13 Hardwood.
What is the lifespan of a mahogany tree?
At heights reaching 200 feet, the big-leaf mahogany tree shoots through the top of the rainforest canopy. This majestic tree, which can live upward of 350 years, is an integral part of the rainforest ecosystem and is an important resource for local communities.
Can you eat the fruit from a mahogany tree?
Native to Southeast Asia, this large mahogany tree bears edible fruit of some popularity in its native region. The fruit contains 4 or 5 translucent wedge shaped jelly-like arils with a pleasant flavor quite similar to pink grapefruit, but a little lighter.
Is mahogany native to the Philippines?
Mahogany is not indigenous to the Philippines, but to the forests of Central and South America.
Is mahogany native to the Caribbean?
mahagoni, often called West Indies mahogany, is a tropical tree native to the Caribbean islands, United States (Florida), and Venezuela.
Is mahogany native to Hawaii?
It is one of three species that yields genuine mahogany timber (Swietenia), the others being Swietenia mahagoni and Swietenia humilis. It is native to South America, Mexico and Central America, but naturalized in the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia and Hawaii, and cultivated in plantations and wind-breaks elsewhere.
Can you grow mahogany in the US?
Most domestic mahogany grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 10a and 11 and reaches 40 to 60 feet high with an expansive 50-foot canopy. Native to South Florida, the Bahamas and the Caribbean, some mahogany cultivars make ideal shade trees.
Mahogany Tree Information
If you read information about mahogany trees, you’ll find them both interesting and attractive. The mahogany is a large, semi-evergreen tree with a...
Additional Mahogany Tree Facts
Mahogany tree information includes a description of the blossoms. These heat-loving ornamentals produce small, fragrant clusters of flowers. The bl...
Where Do Mahogany Trees Grow?
Where do mahogany trees grow, gardeners ask. Mahogany trees thrive in very warm climates. They are native to South Florida as well as the Bahamas a...
Training young mahogany trees is key
Now don’t get us wrong. The experts here at ArtisTree agree mahogany tree branches have been known to break and split. But pin the blame on improper pruning and/or no pruning at all. If you let them grow long and lanky, where the branches grow upright and close together, they might suffer damage during heavy storms.
Contact ArtisTree Landscape Maintenance & Design
Ready to get your dream landscape off the ground? Contact Jenni Lassen to meet with one of our award-winning designers. View our amazing portfolio and then call 941.488.8897.
Why do trees need sunlight?
Enough sunlight peeks through the tree's foliage to allow grass to grow beneath it.
How big does a sage tree get?
This tree is a moderate to fast grower that can reach 35 to 40 feet with a wide-spreading canopy.
Do you need to trim a mahogany tree in Florida?
Add top soil (or organic peat humus) and composted cow manure to the hole when you plant. No trimming is needed as long as you've placed the tree well to allow for mature size.
Is mahogany a deciduous tree?
A mahogany is considered semi-deciduous. This means that though it keeps it leaves nearly year-round, the tree pushes out old leaves for a very brief period in spring before new ones appear. Mahogany's salt tolerance makes it a good shade tree for planting on a coastal property.
Is mahogany endangered in Florida?
Because it's been over-harvested and many natural stands have vanished due to both timber harvesting and land development, mahogany is now on Florida's Endangered List.
How many tons of mahogany were imported in 1740?
Importations of mahogany into England (and excluding those to Scotland, which were recorded separately) reached 525 tons per annum by 1740, 3,688 tons by 1750, and more than 30,000 tons in 1788, the peak year of the 18th century trade.
How did the French Revolution affect the mahogany trade?
The French Revolution of 1789 and the wars that followed radically changed the mahogany trade, primarily due to the progressive collapse of the French and Spanish colonial empires, which allowed British traders into areas previously closed to them. Saint Domingue became the independent republic of Haiti, and from 1808, Spanish controlled Santo Domingo and Cuba were both open to British vessels for the first time.
Where do macrophylla grow?
mahagoni grows on the West Indian islands as far north as the Bahamas, the Florida Keys and parts of Florida; S. humilis grows in the dry regions of the Pacific coast of Central America from south-western Mexico to Costa Rica; S. macrophylla grows in Central America from Yucatan southwards and into South America, extending as far as Peru, Bolivia and extreme western Brazil. In the 20th century various botanists attempted to further define S. macrophylla in South America as a new species, such as S. candollei Pittier and S. tessmannii Harms., but many authorities consider these spurious. According to Record and Hess, all of the mahogany of continental North and South America can be considered as one botanical species, Swietenia macrophylla King.
What is the name of the tree that is not known?
The indigenous Arawak name for the tree is not known. In 1671 the word mahogany appeared in print for the first time, in John Ogilby 's America. Among botanists and naturalists, however, the tree was considered a type of cedar, and in 1759 was classified by Carl Linnaeus (1707–1778) as Cedrela mahagoni.
What is the national tree of Belize?
Mahogany is the national tree of the Dominican Republic and Belize. A mahogany tree with two woodcutters bearing an axe and a paddle also appears on the Belizean national coat of arms, under the national motto, Sub umbra floreo, Latin for "under the shade I flourish.". The specific density of mahogany is 0.55.
What is mahogany lumber used for?
Mahogany is a commercially important lumber prized for its beauty, durability, and color, and used for paneling and to make furniture, boats, musical instruments and other items. The leading importer of mahogany is the United States, followed by Britain; while the largest exporter today is Peru, which surpassed Brazil after that country banned mahogany exports in 2001. It is estimated that some 80 or 90 percent of Peruvian mahogany exported to the United States is illegally harvested, with the economic cost of illegal logging in Peru placed conservatively at $40–70 million USD annually. It was estimated that in 2000, some 57,000 mahogany trees were harvested to supply the U.S. furniture trade alone.
What is mahogany wood?
Mahogany is a straight- grained, reddish-brown timber of three tropical hardwood species of the genus Swietenia, indigenous to the Americas and part of the pantropical chinaberry family, Meliaceae .
How to tell if a mahogany tree is male or female?
The blossoms are either white or yellow-green and grow in clusters. Both male and female flowers grow on the same tree. You can tell male from female flowers because male stamens are tube-shaped.
What is a mahogany tree?
The mahogany is a large, semi-evergreen tree with a canopy that casts dappled shade. It is a popular landscape tree in Southern Florida. Mahogany tree facts describe the trees as being very tall.
Where do mahogany trees grow?
Mahogany trees thrive in very warm climates. They are native to South Florida as well as the Bahamas and the Caribbean. The tree is also nicknamed “Cuban mahogany” and “West Indian mahogany”. They were introduced into Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands over two centuries ago.
How to tell if a flower is male or female?
Both male and female flowers grow on the same tree. You can tell male from female flowers because male stamens are tube-shaped. The flowers bloom in late spring and early summer. Moths and bees love the flowers and serve to pollinate them.
Where are spruce trees planted?
They are planted in backyards, parks, on medians and as street trees. The trees are also raised and felled for their hard, durable wood. It is used to make cabinets and furniture. The species is getting increasingly rare and has been added to Florida’s endangered species list. Printer Friendly Version.
Can mahogany trees grow in Florida?
That means that if you want to see a mahogany tree in the United States, you’ll need to head to Southern Florida. These attractive, fragrant trees form rounded, symmetrical crowns and make excellent shade trees. For more information about mahogany trees and mahogany tree uses, read on.
What is mahogany used for?
This and several other species of mahogany are used in the lumber industry for fine cabinets and furniture due to the color, straight grain and durability of the wood. Swietenia macrophylla is a taller tree with a dominant, straight trunk which could be grown in Florida and used along the streets.
How tall is a mahogany tree in Florida?
This large, semi-evergreen tree forms a loose, rounded canopy and casts light, dappled shade, suitable for maintaining a lawn beneath. It is one of south Florida's popular landscape and street trees. Mahogany can reach 75 feet in height with a 50-foot-spread but is more often seen at 40 to 60 feet tall and wide.
What causes nectria on branches?
Nectria infections on branches are often predisposed by some other stress or any injury to the tree. These infections can be seen in the branch crotches.
What insects are infested with a tree?
Some insects can cause significant problems such as the tent caterpillars, tip moth, webworm, scale, leaf notcher, and leaf miner. Borers infest stressed trees.
How many pairs of leaflets are there in a leaf type?
Leaf type: even-pinnately compound; made up of 4 to 6 opposite pairs of leaflets
What color is a scaly bark?
Bark: gray and smooth, becoming dark gray, rough, scaly, and flaking off to reveal red patches with maturity
What is fruit covering?
Fruit covering: dry or hard; woody capsule that splits into 5 even parts when ripe
What are the animals that live in the basal nectary?
Attracts a diverse community of small butterflies and moths. Many species of ants, thrips, small beetles, flies, bees, and wasps also visit flowers, many of these feeding on the basal nectary.
Where is the only place to find mahogany mistletoe?
In South Florida, this is the only host of the critically imperiled mahogany mistletoe ( Phoradendron rubrum ).
Is mahogany endangered in Florida?
This is the original source of commercial mahogany, now replaced by Honduras mahogany ( S. macrophylla ). It was heavily logged in South Florida prior to the 1900s and is listed as threatened in Florida. In South Florida, this is the only host of the critically imperiled mahogany mistletoe ( Phoradendron rubrum ).
How high can a slash pine tree grow?
Slash pines are native to Florida and grow quickly in this climate. They can reach up to 100 feet high, with branches spreading 50 feet out. You can prune it to keep it more compact or allow it to grow and provide shade for your yard.
What tree shade is best for a large yard in Florida?
A jack tree is another great option for shade in a large Florida yard.
What do fig trees provide?
Fig trees provide shade from the hot Florida sun, as well as sweet fruit you can eat as is or in a recipe.
How tall do maple trees grow in Florida?
Maple trees flourish in full sun and are drought-tolerant, so they grow well throughout Florida. They also grow quickly, reaching 60 feet tall in a couple of years. The canopy expands to about 25 feet wide, making it a lovely shade tree.
What is the hardiness zone for Florida?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) lists Florida’s plant hardiness zones as 8a through 11a. This map helps you understand the minimum extreme temperature for your area. You can narrow down what type of trees and plants can withstand these temperatures.
What is Florida known for?
Though any citrus tree can thrive in Florida, the state is most known for its oranges.
How long does a bald cypress tree live?
The bald cypress is a tree that can live for as long as 600 years. Native to Florida, It can grow over 100 feet tall and as much as 30 feet wide, so you need to ensure that you have the space for it. This tree flourishes in both wet and dry conditions, so you don’t have to worry about over or under-watering it.
Summary
Description
The three species are:
• Honduran or big-leaf mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), with a range from Mexico to southern Amazonia in Brazil, the most widespread species of mahogany and the only genuine mahogany species commercially grown today. Illegal logging of S. macrophylla, and its highly destructive environmental effec…
Overview
The natural distribution of these species within the Americas is geographically distinct. S. mahagoni grows on the West Indian islands as far north as the Bahamas, the Florida Keys and parts of Florida; S. humilis grows in the dry regions of the Pacific coast of Central America from south-western Mexico to Costa Rica; S. macrophylla grows in Central America from Yucatan southwards and into South America, extending as far as Peru, Bolivia and extreme western Brazi…
History of American mahogany trade
In the 17th century, the buccaneer John Esquemeling recorded the use of mahogany or cedrela on Hispaniola for making canoes: "The Indians make these canoes without the use of any iron instruments, by only burning the trees at the bottom near the root, and afterwards governing the fire with such industry that nothing is burnt more than what they would have..."
Uses
Mahogany has a straight, fine, and even grain, and is relatively free of voids and pockets. Its reddish-brown color darkens over time, and displays a reddish sheen when polished. It has excellent workability, and is very durable. Historically, the tree's girth allowed for wide boards from traditional mahogany species. These properties make it a favorable wood for crafting cabinets and f…
Mahogany as an invasive species
In the Philippines, environmentalists are calling for an end to the planting of mahogany because of its negative impact on the environment and wildlife, including possibly causing soil acidification and no net benefit to wildlife.