Central American Mahogany

(Swietenia belizensis or macrophylla)

Family: MELIACEAE

Distribution: In most countries from Mexico to Argentina.

General Characteristics:

 Working Properties and Uses:

An important timber that works well with both hand and machine tools, for cabinet-making, joinery, boat-building, veneers and engineering pattern-making.

Heartwood:

Pinkish brown to reddish brown. Deepening after exposure.

Sapwood:

Pinkish to white.

Grain:

Generally straight, some interlocked.

Texture:

Fine and medium.

Durability:

Durable heartwood.

Drying:

Kilns easily.

Movement:

Slight. Generally stable.

Strength:

Good strength to weight ratio.

Weight:

490 to 560 kg./cu.m. Wood from plantation grown trees is generally at the lighter end of the weight scale.

References:

TRADA "Timbers of the World" Red Booklet 9