“Mahogany gachh kalo, asbab hoy bhalo. Ghono sobuj patay, bone asor matay,’ – this poem was often recited, becoming part of a childhood enriched by Mahogany trees. One vivid memory is of the mahogany seeds—long, slightly lighter on one end—twirling down when tossed into the air, like a child’s imagined helicopter. These memories of mahogany remain rooted in the imaginations.
Beyond childhood nostalgia, mahogany trees preserve the environment and hold considerable economic importance due to their high-quality wood.
Mahogany seeds also contribute to environmental sustainability as a natural pesticide. They can be processed into highly effective, eco-friendly pesticides.
Instead of using chemical alternatives, farmers can use homemade organic pesticides made from mahogany seeds to protect rice crops and vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, okra, and eggplant from pests.
Each part of the mahogany tree—its wood, seeds, leaves, and flowers—offers economic potential. People use mahogany wood to create musical instruments, sculptures, watercraft, and decorative products.
Medicine values mahogany seeds and leaves for their healing properties. Doctors use them in tonics and treatments for various conditions such as diabetes, cancer, asthma, and high blood pressure.
However, despite its many benefits, mahogany has drawbacks. Mahogany’s leaves release compounds that can reduce soil fertility, affecting local insect life. Experts advise careful, regulated planting to mitigate these impacts.
By Rajin Saleh
