Mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni): Reddish-brown luxury timber prized worldwide for furniture making and fine woodwork.
🔍 Quick Facts
| Common name | Mahogany |
| Other names | Mahogany (Hindi, English) |
| Scientific name | Swietenia mahagoni |
| Plant family | Meliaceae (mahogany family) |
| Size | 25–35 m tree |
| Native region | Central America, Caribbean |
| Climate | Tropical |
| Ease of growing | Moderate |
| Parts used | Wood, Seeds (medicine) |
About Mahogany
Mahogany is native to the Caribbean and was introduced to India by the British in the 18th century. Its reddish-brown wood is used for high-end furniture and musical instruments. Wild Caribbean mahogany was so heavily logged that international trade is now regulated under CITES; in India it is grown in plantations and as an avenue tree.
Botanically known as Swietenia mahagoni, it belongs to the Meliaceae family. It is native to Central America, Caribbean and grows best in a tropical climate. The parts most often used are the wood and seeds (medicine).
Timber & Economic Uses
Mahogany is best known for:
- Luxury furniture
- Cabinetry
- Musical instruments
- Boat building
- Ornamental
What the Wood Is Used For
- Luxury furniture and cabinetry.
- Boat interiors and musical instruments.
- Shade and avenue tree.
How to Grow Mahogany
| ☀️ Sunlight | Full sun. |
| 💧 Watering | Moderate; tolerates dry spells. |
| 🪴 Soil | Deep, well-drained soil. |
| 🌱 Propagation | Seeds. |
| 📅 When to plant (India) | Plant in the monsoon. |
| 🏡 In pots / at home | Not suitable for pots. |
Precautions & Safety
- Seeds are extremely bitter and have been promoted online as a diabetes cure — they can be toxic to the liver.
- Plantations may need permission before harvest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Written by the WhyOnPlanet editorial team · Last updated October 2026