Latin name: Khaya ivorensis, Khaya anthotheca, Khaya nyasica

Origin: Africa

Characteristics: Differentiation must be made between the swirly part of the crotch and the actual crotch which is the full curl or ‘feather’. True connoisseurs of mahogany crotch refer to the mahogany plate book that has pictures of the different variations. Terms like “rat tail” and “burning bush” are used to describe their appearance.  Lengths over 72”’ are extremely rare and most lengths are 30 to 48”.

Uses: Mass-produced fine furniture and pianos. Lengths over 2m are used in high quality architectural woodwork.