The Origins Of Mahogany Wood / African Sapele

Mahogany wood also commonly known as African Sapele, is a valuable tropical hardwood species belonging to the genus Swietenia, native to the Americas and part of the pantropical chinaberry family, Meliaceae. Mahogany tree is a medium to large sized deciduous tree with relatively rapid growth period compared to Teak wood or Rosewood. The trunk possesses buttress roots up to a height of 2 meters (6.6 ft) and remains unbranched and straight up to a height of 20 meters to 30 meters with the trunk of the tree can reach an average of 25 meters and 2 meters in diameter. The bark is fibrous and flaky in texture with numerous vertical fissures. It can be easily recognised by its crown, which is dense dark green and round to oblong in shape. The most distinctive feature of this tree is its large heavy brown fruit pods. These split into five valves to release flat, winged light-brown seeds. When cut, the bark and sapwood produce a pleasant odour reminiscent of cinnamon.

The first documented use in Europe of West Indies mahogany for major building structures prior to 1578 was in Spain. It was specified for use in the construction and interior decoration of one of the grandest royal residences built during the Renaissance in Europe, El Escorial. Mahogany’s first major use in Spain and England was for ship building, during the 18th century. Mahogany became the essential material that led to the golden age of British furniture-making in the 18th century. Mahogany is introduced to Asia after colonialism age as a high end furniture material, and those legacy continue and growing stronger till today. Mahogany is also known as Toona Sureni, suren toon, surian, limpaga and red cedar in Asia.