Madagascar Mahogany

Scientific name: Khaya madagascariensis

Overview

Madagascar Mahogany is a little-known, geographically restricted mahogany endemic to Madagascar. It belongs to the Meliaceae family and is native to Madagascar, where it is endemic. This profile brings together identification, woodworking, sourcing, and conservation notes for collectors and woodworkers.

The species grows primarily in wet tropical forest. It is a tropical forest tree in the mahogany family; reliable species identification should use botanical characters and provenance because Khaya timbers overlap strongly in appearance. The heartwood is pinkish to reddish brown, becoming deeper and warmer with age. Grain is straight to interlocked with medium texture and occasional ribbon figure. Natural variation, age, cut, lighting, and finish can all change the appearance, so color alone should never be treated as a final identification.

Quick Facts

  • Common Name: Madagascar Mahogany
  • Alternate Common Name(s): Madagascar African Mahogany
  • Scientific Name: Khaya madagascariensis
  • Region: African Woods
  • Tree Size: A large forest tree; reliable published height data is limited
  • Average Dried Weight: Reliable published data is unavailable
  • Janka Hardness: Reliable published data is unavailable
  • Grain: Usually straight to interlocked
  • Texture: Medium and even

Identification Characteristics

Look for the combination of pinkish to reddish brown, becoming deeper and warmer with age and straight to interlocked with medium texture and occasional ribbon figure. Compare a freshly sanded face-grain surface with end grain under good light. Record provenance, supplier, and botanical name whenever possible, since related tropical species may overlap in color and figure.

  • Heartwood and sapwood color boundary
  • Pore size and distribution on clean end grain
  • Direction of grain and any ribbon or mottled figure
  • Texture, luster, weight, and odor when freshly worked
  • Verified origin and trade documentation
Madagascar Mahogany wood sample
Madagascar Mahogany wood sample showing face and end grain.
Madagascar Mahogany tree
Madagascar Mahogany in its natural habitat.

Working Properties

Workability varies with density and grain direction. Straight-grained stock normally machines more cleanly, while interlocked or figured areas can tear during planing. Use sharp cutters, shallow passes, and controlled feed rates. Test unfamiliar stock before committing valuable boards to a final project.

  • Pre-drill near edges and ends to reduce splitting.
  • Use effective dust extraction during sawing, routing, sanding, and turning.
  • Prepare clean joint surfaces and test the selected adhesive on an offcut.
  • Sand progressively and remove torn fibers before finishing.
  • Test clear, oil, and film finishes because color can deepen dramatically.
  • Dry thick material gradually and store boards with even support and airflow.

Safety Note

Wood dust can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system, and some people develop sensitivity after repeated exposure. Use local dust collection, eye protection, and a properly fitted respirator. Wash exposed skin after machining and keep workshop dust away from living areas.

Common Uses

Madagascar Mahogany furniture and woodworking
Madagascar Mahogany used in furniture and decorative woodworking.
Madagascar Mahogany specialty woodworking
Madagascar Mahogany specialty applications and turned work.

Traditional and modern applications include furniture, cabinet work, decorative veneer, interior joinery, carving, turning, and other high-value uses where legally documented material is available. Suitability depends on board quality, dryness, grain orientation, intended exposure, and the legality and traceability of the material.

Sustainability & Notes

Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and predicted to be threatened; African populations of Khaya are included in CITES Appendix II with annotation #17. Conservation categories and trade rules can change, and national controls may be stricter than international listings. Before purchasing, exporting, or importing material, verify the accepted botanical name, source country, harvest date, chain of custody, and any permits that apply.

Prefer reclaimed wood, plantation material where appropriate, independently certified stock, or inventory with a clear documented history. Use scarce timber efficiently and retain invoices and permits with collector samples.

Comparative Notes & Related Species

East African Mahogany (Khaya anthotheca) – A mainland African Khaya with comparable mahogany appearance and uses.

Large-Leaved African Mahogany (Khaya grandifoliola) – A related African mahogany whose timber can overlap in trade.

Senegal Mahogany (Khaya senegalensis) – A drier-region relative also marketed as African mahogany.

Related Guides

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

Label each sample with the scientific name, common or trade name, source, purchase date, and documentation reference. Preserve a freshly sanded comparison area away from direct light because many woods darken over time. A useful reference sample shows both face grain and clean end grain.

Share Your Photos of This Species

Have a verified tree photograph, wood sample, board, or finished project? Visit the Share Your Photos Page and include the common name, scientific name if known, location, and a short description.

Wood Sample Collection

This species is part of our growing reference collection. Learn how to contribute at Donate Wood Samples.

Resources

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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.

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Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.

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