Spacing at 10 x 3 m (333 stems/ha) for pure plantation because it requires large amounts of light. Young trees fairly tolerant to shade but full overhead light combined with side protection is necessary for optimum growth. Tree is self-pruning and generally pruning is not necessary if established with sufficiently wide spacing. Rotation age is 30-35 years when grown for timber with a final stocking rate of 150-250 stems/ha.
Tree Species (Scientific Name)
Swietenia macrophylla
Livestock Forage
Fuelwood
Lumber
Medicinal
Product
English Common Name
Mahogany
Indonesian Common Name
Mahoni
Tree Family
Meliaceae
Average Leaf Size (cm)
≤60cm
Length
×
3-5cm
Width
Tree Height
Large (> 35m)
Elevational Range (m)
0–1500m
Distribution
Native
Exotic
Exotic in Indonesia
Native to
Region
Americas
Exotic in
SE Asia
Laos, Thailand, Vietnam
Indonesia
Java, Lesser Sunda Islands, Sulawesi, Sumatra
Coffee Agroforestry Information
Coffee System
Robusta
Arabica
Coffee Impact
Beneficial to coffee
Prevalence
Unknown
Cultivation
Planted
Regeneration
Unknown
Tree Management
Tree Benefits and Uses
Farmer Uses
- Livestock Forage
- Fuelwood
- Lumber
- Medicinal
- Product
The wood is used for building houses, veneer, furniture, plywood, heavy construction, and fences and has can be sold in domestic and international markets, providing long-term income sources. The heartwood is red-brown in appearance and the bark is used for dyeing and tanning leather. Bitter honey produced by honeybees feeding from this tree and dried seeds are used to make a medicinal tea to lower blood pressure and treat diabetes.
Farm Services
- Coffee Shade
- Soil Improvement
- Erosion Control
- Reforestation
Erosion control: when planted at high density due to extensive root system
Biodiversity Benefits
Yes
Used by Javan loris as connectivity. Potential for invasiveness. May invade native forest communities, especially following disturbance- should not be planted in close proximity to areas of high nature conservation significance. Food source for honeybees.