Horseflesh Mahogany
Scientific name: Lysiloma bahamensis
Overview
Horseflesh Mahogany is a dense and durable Caribbean hardwood known for its strength, resilience, and use in structural and utility applications. Despite its name, it is not a true mahogany but is valued for its hardness and performance in demanding environments.
It is most commonly found in the Bahamas and parts of the Caribbean, where it has been used historically for heavy-duty construction, tool handles, and other applications requiring toughness and reliability.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Horseflesh Mahogany
- Scientific Name: Lysiloma bahamensis
- Region: Caribbean & West Indies Hardwoods
- Tree Size: Medium-sized tree, typically 30–50 ft tall
- Average Dried Weight: High (dense hardwood)
- Janka Hardness: Not officially rated (estimated high)
- Color: Reddish-brown to dark brown
- Grain: Interlocked to irregular
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
Horseflesh Mahogany is recognized by its dense structure and darker coloration compared to many Caribbean species. The grain is often interlocked, which can create subtle figure but may also make it more challenging to work.
Key identification traits include:
- Reddish to dark brown heartwood
- Interlocked or irregular grain
- Medium to coarse texture
- Dense and heavy feel
Working Properties
Horseflesh Mahogany is a strong and durable hardwood, but its interlocked grain can present challenges during machining. It tends to resist wear well, making it suitable for applications where strength is more important than ease of work.
- Hard and durable with good wear resistance
- Interlocked grain may cause tear-out during machining
- Moderate difficulty in cutting and shaping
- Accepts finishes well with proper surface preparation
- Suitable for heavy-duty applications
Safety Note
No widely reported adverse reactions, but as with all hardwoods, proper dust collection and respiratory protection are recommended.
Common Uses
Horseflesh Mahogany is used in applications where strength and durability are key factors.
- Tool handles
- Structural components
- Heavy-duty furniture
- Exterior applications (where suitable)
- Utility woodwork
Sustainability & Notes
This species is not widely traded commercially and is typically used regionally. Due to its limited distribution, sourcing is uncommon, and it is not a major export species.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Santa Maria — More uniform in grain and easier to work, often preferred for furniture and interior applications.
Caribbean Pine — Much softer and lighter, commonly used for construction rather than strength-focused hardwood applications.
Spanish Cedar — Lighter and more aromatic with better insect resistance, but significantly less dense and durable.
Related Guides
African Mahogany vs. Genuine Mahogany – Compare African Mahogany and Genuine Mahogany, including color, grain, workability, stability, durability, availability, and how each species performs in furniture, cabinetry, boatbuilding, and fine woodworking.
Machining Dense Tropical Hardwoods — Provides techniques for working with interlocked grain and reducing tear-out.
How to Identify Wood by End Grain Patterns
Learn how to identify wood species by examining pores, rays, and growth rings through the end grain—the most accurate method for wood identification.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Horseflesh Mahogany is a solid addition to a Caribbean-focused collection, particularly for those interested in lesser-known structural hardwoods. While not visually striking, its density and regional use make it a meaningful representation of working-class tropical woods.
Video Overview
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Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
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