Question 1

What is Swietenia mahagoni used for in Ayurveda?

Accepted Answer

In Sri Lankan Ayurvedic tradition, the seeds, bark, and leaves of Swietenia mahagoni are used in preparations associated with managing fever, digestive conditions, and metabolic imbalance. The seeds in particular contain bitter limonoid compounds that have attracted both traditional and modern pharmacological interest. Any therapeutic use should be guided by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.

Question 2

Is Swietenia mahagoni the same as common mahogany?

Accepted Answer

Swietenia mahagoni is one of three species commonly called mahogany. It is the original West Indian or small-leaved mahogany and is native to the Caribbean and southern Florida. The more commonly traded timber today comes from related species such as Swietenia macrophylla (big-leaf mahogany), which has a broader natural range across Central and South America.

Question 3

Where can I see Swietenia mahagoni in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya, near Kandy, offer the most accessible opportunity to see labeled specimens of Swietenia mahagoni in Sri Lanka. The tree is also planted in Ayurvedic spice gardens in the Kandy and Matale districts, as well as in estate and home garden settings across the wet and intermediate zones.

Question 4

Is Swietenia mahagoni endangered?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the species is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List in its native Caribbean range, largely due to centuries of timber exploitation. It is also regulated under CITES Appendix II. Cultivation in Sri Lanka for Ayurvedic and horticultural purposes uses nursery-grown stock and does not directly affect wild populations.

Question 5

What compounds in Swietenia mahagoni seeds have been studied scientifically?

Accepted Answer

Researchers have focused particularly on limonoids such as swietenine and swietenolide, which have shown potential antidiabetic and antimalarial activity in laboratory studies. Tannins and flavonoids have also been identified in seed and bark extracts. Most findings remain at the preclinical stage, and clinical evidence for specific health applications is limited.

Question 6

Is Swietenia mahagoni native to Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

No, it is an introduced species. Swietenia mahagoni originates in the Caribbean region and was brought to tropical Asia through colonial-era botanical and plantation networks. In Sri Lanka it is naturalised in some areas but is not part of the island's endemic forest flora.

Question 7

How can I identify a Swietenia mahagoni tree?

Accepted Answer

Look for even-pinnate compound leaves with asymmetric leaflets, scaly grey-brown bark with a bitter reddish inner layer, and large upright woody fruit capsules that split to release winged seeds. The warm reddish-brown fine-grained timber is also distinctive. In Sri Lanka, labeled specimens at Peradeniya Botanic Gardens make identification straightforward.