Description

• Swietenia humilis, commonly known as Pacific Coast mahogany or Honduras mahogany, is a deciduous tree in the mahogany family (Meliaceae).

• It typically grows 10–25 m tall, with a spreading crown and a trunk that may develop a relatively short, sturdy bole.

• The leaves are alternate and pinnately compound, with several pairs of smooth, oval to lance-shaped leaflets.

• Small, greenish-yellow flowers grow in clusters and develop into large, woody, egg-shaped capsules.

• When mature, the capsules split open to release numerous flat, winged seeds dispersed by wind.

• The species is valued for its reddish-brown timber, but logging and habitat loss have reduced wild populations.

Range

• Swietenia humilis is native to the Pacific side of Mesoamerica, including western and southern Mexico and parts of Central America.

• It is native to Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.

Habitat

• Grows in seasonally dry tropical forests, open woodland, and dry lowland forests.

• Commonly occurs on well-drained soils in areas with a pronounced dry season.

• It sheds its leaves during dry periods, reducing water loss until rainfall returns.