Colombian Mahogany
Species Data
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Ericales
Family: Lecythidaceae
Scientific Name: Cariniana pyriformis
IUCN Red List status: Near Threatened
Description
Although not true mahoganies, Colombian Mahogany are impressive trees that can grow up to 50 meters in height, typically reaching 30 metres. These are a commercially important tree and well known for their hard timber that is tough enough to blunt most saws.
Main image: Caryniana pyriformis ©Guillermo Serrano Carranza (License: CC BY-SA 4.0)
Climate and Range
Columbian Mahogany is thought to be present throughout Amazonia and further north as far as Costa Rica, although it is becoming particularly rare in the middle of its range in Colombia. They are often found in higher elevations, generally 600 meters or higher above sea level with fertile, acidic soil. It doesn’t grow well in extremely hot temperatures or particularly wet areas.
Threats and Conservation
Furniture production has led to an over harvesting of Colombian Mahogany for its high quality pink coloured wood. Its bark is also used in rope making. As well as this, like most Amazonian plant species, they are under threat from forest clearance, often through burning, to make way for farmed crops and livestock ranches.
