Mahogany Wood

There are four mahogany species in Latin America of the genus Swietenia, including Caribbean mahogany (Swietenia mahogani), Honduran mahogany (Swietenia humilis), bigleaf mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) and Venezuelan mahogany (Swietenia candollei). Bigleaf mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) is often regarded by experts as true mahogany. Known to the locals as acajou and caoba, mahogany is prized by all, which is reflected in its high value.

Mahogany lumber is easy to work with hand and power tools. The wood takes glue, nails and screws successfully and stains and polishes to an attractive, high-gloss finish. Mahogany seasons quickly but has a low bending strength although bending qualities are much improved by using steam as an aid. Mahogany heartwood is extremely strong and durable and used for many applications including veneers, boat interiors and interior design moldings.

Mahogany lumber is held in high esteem and people will do almost anything to have it in their possession. Poaching mahogany is illegal; however it means big business and big profits to natives who usually earn $1 a day working for limited employees in the jungle. Thousands of dollars are paid for one tree and the natives are willing to take the risks and dangers involved to glean the expensive wood to sell in order to take care of their family's needs.

Mahogany  tree are usually found in densely treed jungle stands and the felling, cutting and hauling of such trees is both time-consuming and laborious. Once on the trucks, the logs are driven on primitive jungle roads and trails to lumber mills to be processed and bought quickly by mahogany buyers from all over the world.