Swietenia mahagoni aka Cuban Mahogany

Swietenia mahagoni has the common name West Indian mahogany. It is part of the mahogany family, Meliaceae. It grows wild in southern Florida and the Bahamas. Its native range also spans the western Caribbean. This large tree keeps most leaves through the year. It may shed old leaves when spring growth starts. Drought can make it lose more of its leaves.

In landscapes, it often grows 40–60 feet [12.2–18.3 metres] tall and wide. Missouri Botanical Garden lists its height as 80 feet [24.4 metres]. Useful Tropical Plants reports heights of 98 feet [30 metres]. The crown is round. Its branches may spread or droop. Young bark is smooth and gray. Old bark turns rough and flakes off to show reddish patches. Thick twigs turn reddish brown or gray. Leaves grow in an alternate pattern along the twigs. They are pinnate, with pairs of leaflets along a shared stalk. The leaflets have smooth edges and a leathery feel. Their tops are dark green, with paler undersides. Leaves show no marked change in fall color.

Small flowers grow in branched groups. They range from pale green to yellow. They have a scent but do little for show. The tree blooms in March and April. Bees, moths, and thrips visit the flowers. Brown, woody fruits form from summer into winter. These fruits are capsules that split into five parts. They release seeds with wings. The fruits stand out but do not draw wildlife. Fallen leaves and fruit can leave litter beneath the crown.

Grow this tree in sun or part shade. It suits USDA zones 10–11. It grows best in deep, rich soil that drains well. It also grows in sand, loam, and clay. The soil can be acidic or alkaline. It likes steady moisture. Once roots take hold, the tree can bear dry spells. It grows fast and withstands salt spray. Train young trees to have one main trunk. This helps build a strong branch structure. Large roots at the surface can lift nearby curbs and paving. Its broad crown gives shade and suits street planting. The reddish-brown wood serves many uses. These include furniture, cabinets, instruments, boats, and veneer.

Major diseases do not pose a usual threat. Tent caterpillars and webworms can cause trouble. So can scale and leaf miners. Borers attack trees under stress. Wounds can help Nectria infect branches. Heavy logging has cut the number of wild trees. Useful Tropical Plants cites a 2010 IUCN review that classed it as endangered. That source notes past use of bark in folk remedies. It lists no food uses and reports no known hazards. This does not prove safety. Bark also yields tannins and dye. Crushed fruit shells serve as a mix for growing plants in pots.