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Big City, Big Trees
6. Steinhardt Conservatory: Tropical Pavilion
Honduras Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla)
| Native Habitat: | Atlantic coast of Central America; South America to Bolivia |
Mahogany tree on the Belize national flag.
Honduras mahogany attains heights of 150 feet or more. Because of the tree's straightness and its wood's fine grain, mahogany is highly esteemed for furniture making, cabinetry, and carpentry. Demand for the wood has resulted in overharvesting of all three Swietenia species. CITES, an international convention protecting endangered plants and animals, now strictly controls the trade of all mahogany.
Notable Neighbors:
- 6A. Dawn redwood grove (Metasequoia glyptostroboides)
- 6B. White willow (Salix alba 'Tristis')
- 6C. Yellow buckeye (Aesculus flava)
Inside the Conservatory:
- Akee Tree (Blighia sapida)
- Dragonsblood Tree (Pterocarpus officinalis)
- Tasmanian Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus)
- Honduras Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla)
- Mesquite Tree (Prosopis glandulosa)