Mahogany Tree Uses – Information About Mahogany Trees
The mahogany tree (Swietenia mahagnoni) is such a lovely shade tree that it’s too bad it can only grow in USDA zones 10 and 11. 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.
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 canopy that casts dappled shade. It is a popular landscape tree in southern Florida. Mahogany tree facts describe the trees as being very tall. They can grow 200 feet (61 m.) in height with leaves some 20 inches (51 cm.) long, but it’s more common to see them growing to 50 feet (15 m.) or less.
Mahogany tree information suggests that wood is dense, and the tree can hold its own in strong winds. This makes it useful as a street tree, and trees planted in medians form attractive canopies overhead.
Additional Mahogany Tree Facts
Mahogany tree information includes a description of the blossoms. These heat-loving ornamentals produce small, fragrant clusters of flowers. 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.
The flowers bloom in late spring and early summer. Moths and bees love the flowers and serve to pollinate them. In time, woody fruit capsules grow in and are brown, pear-shaped, and 5 inches (13 cm.) long. They are suspended from fuzzy stalks in winter. When they split, they release the winged seeds that propagate the species.
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 and the Caribbean. The tree is also nicknamed "Cuban mahogany" and "West Indian mahogany."
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our most popular eBook "How to Grow Delicious Tomatoes."
They were introduced into Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands over two centuries ago. Mahogany trees continue thriving in those places. Mahogany tree uses vary from the ornamental to the practical. First and foremost, mahogany trees are used as shade and ornamental trees.
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.
Teo Spengler has been gardening for 30 years. She is a docent at the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Her passion is trees, 250 of which she has planted on her land in France.
-
5 Night-Blooming Houseplants – Grow An Indoor Moon Garden
There is something uniquely special about night-blooming houseplants. Set the scene for a magical evening indoors with these fragrant flowering beauties.
By Amy Grant
-
Beautiful Butterfly Garden Ideas: 10 Ways To Attract Pretty Pollinators To Your Yard
Bringing butterflies to your backyard is one of the most important ways you can enhance wildlife, boost pollination and improve biodiversity. These 10 butterfly garden ideas can get you started
By Mary Ellen Ellis