Swietenia mahogani or Cuban Mahogany. Also known as West Indies Mahogany or True Mahogany. This wood is not commercially available due to overharvesting through the 1800s. Originally a native of South Florida and the Caribbean extending into Mexico, Honduras and Peru. Mature trees can reach heights of 65-100+ feet and trunk diameters between 3-6 feet wide.
Thought to be first introduced to Hawai'i around the early 1900s. Cuban Mahogany is a very desireable wood due to its workability and chatoyancy. Seasons well, easily worked, machines and sands well. The heartwood can vary when first cut from pale, pinkish-brown to darker red-brown that will usually mature to a rich darker, red-brown. Termite resistant, but can be susceptible to other insects. Specific gravity .53 - .60, but varies on growing conditions. Janka hardness 930 Ibf (4,120 N).
Used in ship building, furniture and cabinetry and musical instruments such as guitars and 'ukulele.
