Madeira Mahogany

Common name: Madeira Mahogany.

Scientific name: Persea indica (L.) Spreng

Family: Lauraceae

Distribution and Habitat: Macronesia endemic species. It is founf in deep and moist valleys sheltered in the Laurissilva interior between 400 and 1300 m. Examples of this species may be seen in Ribeira da Janela, Fajã da Nogueira and Calheta.

Description: It may reach a height of 25 m. Its top is round, the leaves are pale green with reddish petioles, that also become reddish as they age; the fruit is a green berry that becomes black when ripe.

Conservation statute and Threats: Abundant species, under the statutes ascribed to the Laurissilva forest.

Observations: In the past, the mahogany’s wood was largely exported to England where it was known as the “mahogany from Madeira”. Blooming season is from June to November.