Mahogany: Tree of the Future

Abstract

In mahogany, many of the problems confronting tropical rain forests worldwide are seen in microcosm, yet in some important ways the genus is unique. It is unusual among well-known tropical timbers in having poorly known ecological requirements. Most tropical timbers have low unit value and are interchangeable. Mahogany has thrice their value and is a high-quality cabinet wood with unique properties. It is unusual among cabinet woods in being a strong light demander and fast grower that does well in plantations. Thus, mahogany holds great promise for the future. Attempts to control its trade suffer familiar problems of misinformation and missing information. The natural range is vast, and, although the species is not on the verge of extinction, genetic erosion has been alleged. Sustainable exploitation is hampered by inadequate knowledge of its regeneration ecology and the all too common practical problems of rule enforcement.

Deceased