PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN VUInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Vulnerable — at high risk of extinction if the current adverse conditions continue.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Swietenia macrophylla
Big-leaf Mahogany
King, 1886
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Large canopy tree, reaching heights of up to 50 meters. It has a straight, cylindrical trunk with buttresses at the base and deeply fissured bark. Its leaves are large and paripinnate.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Caoba de hoja anchaCaoba del sur
Honduras mahogany
AguanoTaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Magnoliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Sapindales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Meliaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Swietenia
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.King, 1886
Record Completeness
93%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
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Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
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Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Wet Season
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Distributed from Mexico to the Brazilian Amazon. Prefers deep, well-drained soils in humid tropical and premontane forests.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Long-lived species that grows slowly in primary forest. It is a deciduous tree that releases its seeds just before the start of the rainy season to take advantage of the moisture.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
3500.0 - 5000.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Seeds with a samaroid wing perfectly balanced to glide long distances away from the parent tree.
Massive buttresses that provide structural stability in thin and humid rainforest soils.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Massive illegal extraction driven by the high price of its wood in luxury markets.
Habitat fragmentation that isolates populations and reduces the genetic flow necessary for the species.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Due to its value, it is frequently known as 'Green Gold' in the regions where it grows natively.
Mahogany is listed in CITES Appendix II to strictly regulate its international trade.