TIMBER - hardwoods and softwoods
Swietenia macrophylla King (Meliaceae).
Given its scientific name by George King in 1886, from plants grown in the Botanic Garden in Calcutta, India, although the seeds were originally thought to have come from what is now Belize.
Native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. The mahogany of early trade was Swietenia mahogani L., of the Caribbean islands, known as 'Spanish mahogany'.
Life form: long-lived trees.
Parts used: wood - as a hardwood in furniture making.