This tropical tree is semi-deciduous and has an upright trunk with spreading branches that forms an open crown. The divided leaves have glossy green leaflets and the small fragrant yellowish flowers appear during late spring, followed by woody fruits.

Hardiness zones 11 to 12

Swietenia mahagoniis naturally found from southern Florida to the Bahamas and the northern West Indies, growing on the coast and inland.

It prefers well-drained fertile soils with reliable moisture and humid sunny to semi-shaded protected position and saline soils or salt spray and drought tolerant but frost tender.

Mahogany is grown for its habit and its attractive foliage. It is commonly used as a shade or street tree in tropical regions or as a specimen in a park or large garden. It establishes in 3 to 5 years and is grown commercially for its timber. This plant is not commonly cultivated outside its native region and may be difficult to obtain requiring a specialist nursery.ID 1812

Note
The straight trunk becomes swollen and buttress with age and the bark is grey to black with deep fissures. It is highly regarded for it timber, which is used in fine furniture, but the tree is threatened in its endemic habitat.
It is resistant to drought once established but grows poorly.

Swietenia(swee-TEN-ee-ah) mahagoni(ma-ha-GO-nee)

Meliaceae (me-lee-AY-see-ee)
Rosewood and Mahoganies