The Mahogany tree (Swietenia macrophylla) is the national tree of Belize.

Seedlings germinating under shade tend to have longer, straighter trunks as they strive to break the canopy quickly. Forest fragmentation disrupts natural succession because seedlings in broken canopies or open areas branch out sooner.

Their fruits grow skywards in a brown capsule. Each capsule has dozens of winged seeds that spiral down to germinate on the forest floor. 🌱🇧🇿