Honduras Mahogany

Swietenia macrophylla

Honduras Mahogany

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Meliaceae
Genus:
Swietenia
Species:
Swietenia macrophylla

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Tree
Height:
More than 40 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
mar, apr, may
Bloom Colors:
white

Native Range

United States: Guam, Hawaii, Palau

Host Plant for Caterpillars

mahogany shoot borer (Hypsipyla grandella)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers deep soils with high organic matter

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Seeds do not require pre-treatment due to their high germination rates, although soaking seeds 24 hours at ambient temperature can improve germination. Seeds should be dewinged to fit into containers. Some authors recommend sowing the seed horizontally to avoid shoot deformations, although seeds are also commonly sown wing up or down.

Establishment: Direct sowing in containers is recommend to avoid j-rooting of the tap root. Genetic quality of Honduras mahogany varies widely, select seed matched to the outplanting site conditions should be obtained if possible for best growth and yield. Seeds should be collected while pods are still closed, but brown in color, not green.

Source: npn.rngr.net