Mahogany (Fig. 255) is pre-eminently the joiner's wood, being preferred to all others for cabinet making of all sorts, interior finish, and ornamental work in general.

Fig. 255. Mahogany (Swietenia Mahogoni, Melia Family, Meliacece). A, flowering branch. B, flower, cut vertically, with calyx and corolla removed. C, staminate tube. D, pistil. E, bud. E, fruit. G, central column of fruit with seed attached. H, seed. J, fruit valve, side view. (Harms.) Tree 21 m. tall; leaves smooth, flowers greenish yellow; fruit dry. Native home, Tropical America.

Fig. 255.-Mahogany (Swietenia Mahogoni, Melia Family, Meliacece). A, flowering branch. B, flower, cut vertically, with calyx and corolla removed. C, staminate tube. D, pistil. E, bud. E, fruit. G, central column of fruit with seed attached. H, seed. J, fruit-valve, side view. (Harms.)-Tree 21 m. tall; leaves smooth, flowers greenish yellow; fruit dry. Native home, Tropical America.