Roseodendron donnell-smithii aka White Mahogany

Roseodendron donnell-smithii is also known as white mahogany. It belongs to the Bignoniaceae family. Kew places its native range from southern Mexico to southern Venezuela. It grows in the tropics, in places with a dry season. It also grows in damp forests, on river terraces and lower slopes. In lowland forests, it lives where soil stays moist for part of the year but does not flood. It can spread into old farmland and along roadsides. It also spreads onto disturbed ground.

This fast-growing tree sheds its leaves and has a vase-shaped crown. Its usual reported height reaches about 82 feet [25 metres]. Some trees reach about 115 feet [35 metres]. The straight, round trunk often has buttresses at its base. Even in open sites, it forms a long trunk without branches. This clear part measures about 23–43 feet [7–13 metres]. Trunk width is most often about 2–3 feet [0.6–0.9 metres]. Some trunks reach about 4 feet [1.2 metres] across.

Gardeners grow it for shade and its yellow flowers. It sheds its leaves, then blooms in the dry season. The bare crown helps the flowers stand out. The supplied accounts give no more details on leaves or fruit. Nurseries grow new trees from seed in shaded beds or trays. Seeds need a loose, moist growing mix rich in nutrients. The mix must drain well. A light cover helps keep seeds from drying out. Seeds start to sprout after about 12–18 days. The young trees reach planting size in about four months.

The tree needs a sunny site when grown. It grows best with mean daytime temperatures of 22–28°C. Its reported range of tolerance is 17–34°C. Yearly rainfall of 1,000–3,000 millimetres suits it. It grows from sea level to about 3,281 feet [1,000 metres]. Recorded soils include river deposits and soils made from volcanic ash. It also grows in soils formed from limestone and metamorphic rock. The reported soil pH range is 5.5–7.5. Young trees can regrow from cut stumps until they reach pole size.

People cut wild trees for timber and plant them for wood. The pale wood goes into furniture and cabinets. People also use it for decorative veneer and floors. Reports differ on how well the wood resists decay. The tree helps restore native woods and hold soil. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known food or medical uses. It lists no known hazards, but this does not prove safety. The supplied evidence gives no specific facts on pests or diseases. The site gives a 2021 IUCN status of Least Concern. It notes that the effects of timber harvest remain unclear.