S. mahagoni has a limited native range in southern Florida. Population trends - S. mahagoni is threatened by exploitation and had already become scarce in parts of its range by 1774. It was virtually wiped out in Cuba by the end of the 19th century. Due to its reputation as perhaps the most attractive of all world timbers, indigenous stands of the best trees have been almost completely exhausted.
Natural stands are extensively exhausted and the species exhibits high levels of genetic erosion.
National protection - No new information. The timber of S. mahagoni is harder and stronger and considered superior in quality to that of S. macrophylla. Management measures - No new information. References Mathew, B., ed. The Nature Conservancy.