Hardwood Timber Reforestation: Species Info

Primary Native and Exotic Species

We diversify our plantations with Native and exotic species choosing high growth, high value species which prosper under the given soil content, slope and rainfall of each site. We have over 10 years of experience working in Nicaragua's Pacific Coast experimenting and researching a multitude of species combinations and densities to find the system that works best. While Exotic species such as teak and african mahogany have high growth rates, low maintenance and years of available data from other plantations, we feel it is important to integrate and continue to develop systems of the native species which offer higher environmental benefits and protect biodiversity.

Teak (tectonis grandis)

Teak is the most common tropical hardwood held in timber plantations in Asia and Latin America. Teak is native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific and is thus an non-native species in Nicaragua. However, the rainfall, volcanic soil, and intense sunlight in Nicaragua and Costa Rica provide optimum conditions for teak. Teak has a growth cycle of 20-25 years, low maintenance costs, and is fairly resilient to pests. There is ample market for teak in Asia and Europe for furniture, decking, flooring, and boat making.

Genuine Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla o humilis)

Since the arrival of the Spanish westerners have been cutting down and exporting in mass quantities Mahogany from Central America. Genuine Mahogany, native to central and latin america, is one of the world's best known and most expensive woods. It is hard, yet lighter than most hardwoods, has a very straight grain and is perfect for furniture and doors. The demand for Mahogany has placed it on the worldwide list of Endangered Species (CITES) as most of the old growth Mahogany has been logged out of Central America. The growth cycle for genuine Mahogany is 25-35 years and it tends to prosper in shaded areas mixed with other species.

Spanish Cedar (Cedrela odorata)

Spanish Cedar or Cedro Real is in the same family as Mahogany and is another much sought after tropical timber species which once predominated the forests from Mexico to Brazil. Traditional logging in the 1800's and 1900's would primarily target just two species; Spanish Cedar and Mahogany as both float and can be extracted through the network of rivers which existed in the virgen rainforest. Spanish Cedar is also on the CITES endangered species list due to its high demand internationally which has led to its depletion.

Pochote (Bombacopsis quinata)

Pochote is also known as Spiny Cedar or Cedro Espino. This species is indigenous to Nicaragua and the surrounding areas. It is one of the most coveted woods among locals and is used in furniture and boat building. Pochote is a rapid growing pioneer species that prospers in the dry tropical pasturelands of the pacific coast. Pochote is also a CITES protected species due to is high regional demand and limited optimal growth areas.

Maderas Sostenibles - tropical hardwood timber and exotic hardwood lumber products