MAHOGANY - CAOBA (PERÚ)
TECHNICAL CARD
| Species : | Swietenia macrophylla G. King |
| Family : | Meliaceae |
| Synonym : | Swietenia tessmannii Harms |
| Commun Names : |
Germany : mahogany |
| International Business Name : |
Mahogany |
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SPECIES
The Swietenia macrophylla king, also known as American Mahogany or big leaf, comes from the Meliaceae family, from which also come the African Mahogany (Khaya ivorensis), the Honduranian Mahogany (Sweietenia humilis) and the Carribean Mahogany (Sweietenia mahogany). The variety is wide, there are in the market around one hundred types of different woods called Mahogany, coming from different families and gender, situation due to the simple fact that they have a color similar to the la Swietenia macrophylla king, although its other characteristics like streak, structure and mechanical behavior are slightly different. So this species is considered only as the authentic Mahogany, converting itself into the favorite and replacing the Honduranian and Caribbean Mahogany because these last ones are considered as extinguished.
Geographical distribution: The Mahogany comes from the hot and humid areas of the tropical America, i.e. in Mexico, Central America, Panama, Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil, Amazonian Forest, Equator and Peru, generally under 1200 m (3936 feet) above sea level. It may be found in the constant rainy areas and does not stand long drought. The species has an heliofite tendency, it can be found in disturbed forests and last until their primary condition, usually in light soils, sandy soils with good fertility. It can be found in well drained soils with no stones.
The tree: This species can be up to 45 meters high (148 feet). Its log is straight and cylindrical (occasionally with thick and forked branches) and between 80 to 160 cms (31 to 62 inches) diameter, sometimes 200 cms (78 inches) or more. The bark is grayish brown and superficially fractured. The leaves are alternate, its flowers are small and greenish yellow, This tree grows usually isolated or in small groups of 4 and 8 per hectare (2,5 acres)
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE WOOD
Mahogany is considered as one of the best wood in the world. It has no characteristic smell, its hardwood presents changes of color from creamy pink to dark brownish red when dried in the air, but its sapwood is yellowish or pink when freshly cut and becomes dark when dried at the sun. Its texture is between soft and medium and its brightness is like gold. It is a light wood, its streak is notable especially on the radial cut and its great advantage is its easy drying in the air, although it may present slight deformations. For this process, the recommended drying schedules are : T6-D4 and T3-D3 from the USA, the F program from UK and the M program from the Cartagena Agreement. It is also easily workable although it may present sometimes some tension leaving a few downy surfaces at the turning. It allows an easy handy working and easy operations with machines. Thanks to its nature, it brings a good finish and shine; it is also easy to nail, to screw in, to stick and lacquer. It has a high natural long-life, its hardwood is particularly resistant to white and brown rotting but it can be attacked by grubs and fungus. As a disadvantage it is not resistant to the marine perforators and is difficult to treat when submitted to preservation and immunization processes.
Tree Bark : The outside bark is fissured and light to reddish brown color. The inside bark is homogeneous to fibrous and its color is whitish pink with a sour and astringent taste. The total thickness of the bark is 10 to 25 mm (0.39 to 1 inch).
USES
The Mahogany has an excellent quality, it is considered as the best Amazonian wood. It has a medium density, straight grain and medium structure, its color is pink to reddish. It has a high endurance and good workability and is highly appreciated in fine carpentry and woodwork.
Thanks to its attractive look, the Mahogany offers an excellent finish and for its natural brightness it has been used since the beginning of the 17 th century in luxury woodwork, decorative panels, normal constructions (houses and vessels inside covering). It is also successfully used for musical instruments such as pianos, turned articles, decorative handicrafts, sculptures, cabinets for radios and televisions, high quality scientific instruments, boxes, cases or fine packing, fine decorative furniture for offices and homes (generally carved). Other frequent uses for its endurance are: small boats manufacturing, panels, cabinets, desk articles, rulers, triplex, patterns and carpentry for construction.
