Big Mahogany Tree Plant Types

Genuine Mahogany

• Genuine mahogany comes in two forms. West Indian mahogany comes from the Sweitenia mahogani, while Honduran mahogany comes from Sweitenia macrophylla. These trees can reach heights of 100 feet but in cultivation grow to only about 60 feet. The Honduran mahogany tree is also known as big-leaf mahogany. This species has larger foliage compared to the West Indian species, and it also grows taller and has larger fruits.

African Mahogany

• African mahogany wood comes from three different members of the genus Khaya, all native to Africa. This wood is not genuine mahogany, but Khaya is closely related to Swietenia. Smooth-barked mahogany (Khaya anthoteca) is widespread throughout the southern and central regions of Africa. Broad-leafed mahogany (K. grandifolia) is native to Central Africa, and red mahogany (K. ivorensis) comes from the west-central part of the continent. Red mahogany and smooth-barked mahogany grow as large to very large trees, reaching heights up to 196 feet. Broad-leafed mahogany is slightly smaller at 131 feet tall.

Entandrophragma

• The genus Entandrophragma is also related to Swietenia and contains about 10 species. Although all members of Entandrophragma are native to tropical regions of Africa, their wood is not sold as African mahogany. Instead, each tree possesses its own local name, which is often used in combination with "mahogany." For example, wood from the sipo (Entandrophragma utile) and the sapele (E. cylindricum) are sold as sipo mahogany and sapele mahogany, respectively. Members of this genus grow as large trees, about 160 to 180 feet tall.

Philippine Mahogany

• According to "Trees: A Visual Guide," Philippine mahogany is the most important rainforest timber in Asia. The wood also sells under the name luan, and the tree is known as sal, meranti or butau. Although Philippine mahogany has many characteristics of genuine mahogany, it is not closely related to Sweitenia. Since Philippine mahogany trees (genus Shorea) are more abundant and less costly than genuine mahogany or related woods, builders use it in subflooring, paneling, plywood and boat-making. Shorea trees grow to about 120 feet tall.