Leaf Size in Swietenia

Abstract

A study was made of the putative hybrid of bigleaf and small-leaf mahoganies. Initial measurements indicated that bigleaf mahogany can be distinguished from small-leaf mahogany by gross measurements of leaflets. Isolated mother trees yield typical progeny. Typical mother trees in mixed stands yield like progeny plus, usually, mediumleaf progeny. Mediumleaf mother trees yield mixed progeny and usually yield all three types: bigleaf, small-leaf, and mediumleaf. Although there must remain an element of doubt until hand pollinationunder controlled conditions is accomplished, it seems apparent that the medium-leaf mahoganies previously reported as hybrid between Swietenia macrophylla and S. mabagoni actually are hybrid. For the trees observed bigleaf, small-leaf, and Pacific mahoganies can be separated on the basis of leaf venation.

Citation

Briscoe, Charles B.; Lamb, F. Bruce. 1962. Leaf Size in Swietenia. Carribean Forester 23(2):112-115.