Caoba (Mahogany)

The Caoba tree (scientific name: Latin name::Swietenia macrophylla) is also known as 'big leaf mahogany'.

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 * Swietenia macrophylla is the scientific name for Big Leaf Mahogany, Big-leaf Mahogany, Bigleaf Mahogany, broad-leaved Mahogany, Brazilian Mahogany, Honduras Mahogany, Large-leaved Mahogany, genuine mahogany, Sky Fruit, Tropical American Mahogany.


 * The name mahogany is used when referring to numerous varieties of dark-colored hardwood. It is a native American word originally used for the wood of the species Swietenia mahagoni, known as West Indian or Cuban mahogany. The term was next applied to the wood of Swietenia macrophylla, which is closely related, and known as Honduras mahogany. Both are from the Meliaceae family.


 * Caoba is a (local) spanish name and is not used as common name in English for Mahogany or Swietenia macrophylla.

Description
The Caoba tree can grow up to a height of 164 feet and a stem diameter of up to 6 feet. Its shade casting crown can reach spreads of up to 65 feet.

The bark of the younger trees is smooth and bright grey whereas older trees possess a flaked, grayish dark brown bark.

Each of its 6 to 16 inches sized panicles has 3 to 6 dark-green, leathery leaves which are arranged alternately. Older leaves are of a characteristic red color.

The axillary blossoms have five yellow-white petals. The hard, pear-shaped fruits grow to the top and split open in the sun as soon as they are ripe. Each fruit contains up to 45 winged seeds which are spread by the wind.

Geography
Caoba grows in the tropical and subtropical lowlands from southern Country::Mexico to the Amazon region. The tree tolerates long dry periods and a great variety of soils.

Forestry
Caoba trees grow on many soils such as clayey-sandy, fertile and acid ones with a pH-value of up to 4.5.

Until the tree has reached a height of approximately 16 feet, it is often afflicted by moths (Hypsipyla grandella). The larvae, also known as mahogany shoot borers, cause damage to the new mahogany shoots by feeding on them. For this reason, the young Caoba trees need special care.

Uses
The Caoba tree is famous for its extraordinary heavy and beautiful, partly deep red brown wood and in demand all over the world. It dries fast, is weather resistant and easy to work on. For these reasons, furniture made of mahogany is extremely popular.

Caoba (Mahogany)