Sustainable Wood: The RA Fijian Mahogany Story
The world has over harvested Mahogany hardwood. Fijian government recognized the value of Hardwoods like Mahogany in 1901. Today, the legal and sustainable Mahogany source is in Fiji. The Fijian government has a sustainability law.
Would genuine Mahogany be a sustainable choice for decking and woodworking? YES! That is if you get genuine Mahogany from those who got it from a sustainable plantation.
RA Fiji supplies US customers from the government-regulated plantations of Fiji.
Fijian Mahogany - History
The Fijian Mahogany is Honduran Mahogany , and its scientific term is Swietenia Macrophylla. It was first introduced by the British Colonial Government for Outpost (Dominion of Fiji) to Fiji in 1981. They developed plantations for future use by Crown Appointed British Furniture and Cabinet makers of the United Kingdom. The Mahogany seedlings turned into trees, in Fiji's island climate and subtropical environment, and spread naturally beyond formal plantations. If Mahogany weren't valuable in foreign markets, it would have been a pest or invasive tree species. To cater to a more commercial species variety, namely Mahogany from the former Mosquito Coast region (now Belize, Honduras, and Nicaragua). Fijian Mahogany plantations were planted to utilize what was deemed 'unused land' (Natural Forest and grasslands)
As a result, the Fijian Forestry department was first formed during the early 1930s. Logging started for mature trees in 2003, and replanting of logged areas commenced in the 2010s. Fiji is currently the only source country for Genuine (Swietenia Macrophylla) Mahogany with mature trees.
What are the characteristics of Fijian Mahogany ?
Fijian Mahogany is a Brazilian timber that is grown at plantations on the island of Fiji. It is a beautiful and dense hardwood with a close, straight grain. Its tightly woven grain makes it highly resistant to splintering and, like Merbau, it is also exceptionally resistant to moisture, decay, and insect infestation.
What is RA Fijian Mahogany ?
Mahogany (Fijian) is one of the softer hardwoods, making it easier to work than Ipe, but more durable than traditional softwood species such as Cedar or Redwood. Mahogany is also a “clear” product, meaning that there are no knots in the wood, giving it a smooth, polished look.
What is RA Fijian Mahogany used for?
Fijian Mahogany timber continues to be a much sought-after wood. Its versatility and durability have seen it used for everything from furniture to boats to custom-made guitars.
How long does RA Fijian Mahogany Wood last?
Genuine Fijian Mahogany lifespan is a little different, with an average life of 20+ years. That being said, the lifespan of your wood depends on a lot of factors. The climate and amount of precipitation in your area can shorten or extend a product's lifespan. It is not unheard of for Mahogany to last longer than 30 years.
What is the Scientific name of the Mahogany tree?
It's also known as Honduran Mahogany , big-leaf Mahogany , or West Indian Mahogany and is one of three species that yields genuine Mahogany timber (Swietenia), the others being Swietenia mahagoni and Swietenia humilis.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Fijian Mahogany is Honduran Mahogany aka Genuine Big Leaf Mahogany (Scientific Name: Swietenia Macrophylla).
2. Fijian Mahogany is plantation Mahogany and exempt by CITES (Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species) in Annex II. Our Mahogany is not from natural forests but is from a plantation resource in Fiji.
3. Fijian Mahogany is allowed to be imported into the United States under CITES Annex II and is also allowed under the US Lacey Act.
4. Fijian Mahogany is slightly lighter in color than Mahogany from the Neo-Tropics and somewhat less dense.
5. Fijian Mahogany is perfect for end-user manufacturing.
6. All shipments of Fijian Mahogany come with the following Certificates: Fumigation and Phytosanitary; Country of Origin; Fiji Plantation Mahogany Statutory Declaration.