Swietenia Macrophylla, Big Leaf Mahogany - 0.5 kg Seeds

Big-leaf mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) is a large, majestic evergreen-to-deciduous tree celebrated worldwide for its rich, reddish-brown timber, one of the finest cabinet and furniture woods. In India it is grown as a high-value plantation and avenue tree, particularly in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Bengal and the northeast.

The strong, beautifully grained, durable wood is prized for furniture, panelling, musical instruments and boat building, while the spreading crown provides excellent shade along roads and in gardens. The tree produces large woody capsules holding winged seeds, and grows best in deep, fertile, well-drained soils in the warm, humid tropics.

• Family: Meliaceae
• Native region: tropical Central and South America
• Mature height: 20–35 m
• Growth rate: moderate to fast

Sowing the seed: soak the winged seeds in water for 12–24 hours, then sow them upright with the wing end up, about 2 cm deep in nursery bags of rich, well-drained soil. Germination usually takes 14–21 days. Raise the seedlings in partial shade and transplant to the field when 30–50 cm tall at the onset of the monsoon.