Trees that give
Analysis shows native timber to advantage
THE CURRENT shortage of mature Jamaican mahogany trees in the island could soon be a thing of the past, with recent scientific research leading to large-scale propagation of true-to-type seedlings.
Experts agree the development is likely to be a boon for the local economy through the lumber and forestry sectors, as the country could become a large exporter of authentic Jamaican mahogany.
The mahogany genus, which has three species, is a medium-sized semievergreen growing to 30-35 metres (98-115 ft) tall. It produces straight-grained, reddish-brown timber that is highly sought after due to its colour and durability.
One of the three species, scientifically called Swieteniamahagoni, is native to the wider Caribbean, including Jamaica, Cuba and The Bahamas, but it is now near threatened due to excessive land clearance and cutting for furniture making.
“To avoid further risk, efforts to re-commercialise the species will have to ensure compliance with the global frameworks designed to regulate international trade of wildlife and timber – the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the European Union Timber Regulation standards,” said a February 26 news release from RISE Life Management Services (RISE).
DNA ANALYSIS
RISE, under the European Unionfunded Improved Forest Management and Livelihoods for a Better Jamaica project, spearheaded a DNA analysis to isolate and propagate the native Jamaican species. This was done in partnership with Tulloch Estates and the Forestry Department.
It confirmed that 35 local mahogany trees were not hybrids, as they did not feature DNA material from the Honduran species, Swieteniamacrophylla, which is native to Mexico, Central America and northern South America.
So far, RISE has facilitated the distribution of several batches to organisations such as the Forestry Department, the Jamaica Agricultural Society, the Endemic Species Preservation Unit of t he Hope Royal Botanical Gardens, and the Biotechnology Centre at the University of the West Indies, Mona.
The parties involved say that the success of the project has implications not only for increased exportation of Jamaican mahogany and the production of higher-quality furniture, but also for a potential lifting of the CITES ban on the trade in Jamaican mahogany.
“These results will make t he Jamaican mahogany more favourable for local lumber users and could shift Jamaica towards becoming a large exporter of lumber. This will positively impact employment and boost cottage industries, likely addressing urban drift,” she stated.
Dr Sylvia Mitchell, senior lecturer at the Biotechnology Centre, University of the West Indies, emphasised the significance of the mahogany trees for future generations. She noted that the results of the DNA analysis should address critical issues such as illegal logging and climate change.
BATTLING CLIMATE CHANGE
“The promotion of tree planting, particularly of species like mahogany, becomes an imperative strategy in the battle against climate change. Mahogany, in particular, symbolises the restoration of Jamaica’s forests, once sacrificed for sugar cane plantations. Its [population expansion] not only ensures long-term wealth, but also brings about positive environmental effects, including the reduction of water and soil run-off,” she said.
The report of the DNA findings were shared with the Biotechnology Centre to support their continued research on the species. RISE also shared the report with the Forestry Department to further inform its work in improving the genetic variation of Jamaican mahogany, regarded as superior to the Honduran variety.
Through the project, the Forestry Department also obtained valuable data which were identified through the sample collection process to facilitate the DNA analysis.
RISE’s Executive Director, Nadine Chambers Goss, explained that the samples for testing were collected from different provenances, considering variations in generation, altitude, soil, and rainfall conditions, and were GPS-tagged for accurate tracking. This process facilitated the creation of a detailed map, which pinpoints stands of authentic Jamaican mahogany that will be of significant value to the Forestry Department.
RISE said it intends to publish a joint research paper on its findings as a means of improving the global body of knowledge available on the Jamaican mahogany species.