What is mahogany?
Q: What is mahogany?
A: Mahogany is a hard tropical wood from the Americas that was discovered by Europeans early in the 16th century.
Q: Where does mahogany come from?
A: Mahogany comes from a tree called Swietenia mahagoni that is native to southern Florida and islands in the Caribbean including the Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica, and Hispaniola.
Q: What was mahogany originally used for by the Spanish and English?
A: Mahogany was originally used by the Spanish and English to build ships due to its durableness, resistance to gunshots, and ability to bury shots without splintering.
Q: Who was the first to use mahogany to make furniture?
A: The Spanish were the first to use mahogany to make furniture.
Q: What is the "Age of Mahogany"?
A: The "Age of Mahogany" refers to the period in the 18th and early 19th century when mahogany was much used by English workshops to make furniture.
Q: What special characteristics does mahogany have that make it helpful?
A: Mahogany is strong and durable but easy to bend, making it especially helpful for carpenters. It also grows very tall and is resistant to stains.
Q: Are mahogany trees endangered?
A: Yes, mahogany trees are endangered.
