The Las Azucenas Commercial Project is composed of 3 types of high-value hardwood trees:
- Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King)
- Ciricote / Ziricote (Cordia dodecandra Dc.)
- Cedar (Cedrella odorata L.)
Each of these trees each have the ability to generate revenue of $3,600+ USD per tree at harvest. Las Azucenas currently has over 16,000 trees planted. The forest at maturity will have a catalog valuation of $57,000,000+. In the Petén region of northern Guatemala, well-cared-for hardwoods achieve maturity in an average of 18 years. The combination of ideal soil, humid climate and rainfall provides optimal conditions for trees to grow rapidly and thrive.
Swietenia macrophylla King (Mahogany)
This species manifests as a large tree, which under natural conditions reaches heights ranging between 30 and 45 meters. It usually has limbs, odd-pinnate leaves and deep-fissured, dark brown bark. The species is known worldwide for its quality and beauty, ideal for manufacturing furniture and finishes. Because of this, it has been commercialized for over 100 years in Guatemala. The main limitation for the development of this species in forest plantations is the susceptibility to attack by the meliaceae apex borer, Hypsipyla spp.
(Mahogany planted in 2020 at Las Azucenas, Picture taken in 2022, Alain Romero)
Cedrela odorata L. (Cedar)
This species manifests as a large tree that reaches heights ranging between 30 and 40 meters. It has deeply fissured reddish-brown bark and paripinnate leaves. It produces a very attractive, valuable, light, durable and aromatic wood that is of excellent quality, easy to work with, and resistant to termites and fungi. It is used for furniture, musical instruments and other objects. Like mahogany, it is harshly attacked by Hypsipyla spp. Some of the factors to consider in regard to cedar plantations are site selection, nutritional requirements, levels of foliar deficiency, fertilization in nurseries and transplantation.
Cordia dodecandra Dc. (Ciricote/Ziricote)
This species manifests as a medium tree with small limbs. It reaches heights ranging between 8 and 12 meters. It has grayish and fissured bark, as well as alternate simple leaves. It is made of hard, heavy wood, with a dark brown heartwood that forms fine veins. It is used to make elegant furniture and a wide variety of crafts. It is also highly valued for its edible fruits.
