Big-leaf mahogany  (Swietenia macrophylla)

The majestic mahogany is a tall tree that towers above the forest canopy. As its name suggests, it bears large leaves, up to 45 centimetres long, which are composed of an even number of leaflets found on either side of the central midrib (2) (4). The bark has a sweet odour and small white flowers are produced, in which the stamens are characteristically fused to form a tube (4). The fruits of the big-leaf mahogany are large, light grey to brown capsules that measure almost 40 centimetres in length. Each fruit contains up to 71 winged seeds, 7 to 12 centimetres long (2).