Mahogany trees take 25 years to reach their full maturity. These trees thrive in salty air and moist soil, which is why they are so common in southern coastal areas. They require full or partial sunlight, as well as regular watering, for optimal growth conditions. Mahogany trees will lose their leaves in the spring but will grow blossoms in the late spring to early summer. A mahogany tree's blossoms can be either white or yellow-green and tend to grow in clusters on the tree. Male and female flowers will grow on the same tree and can be distinguished by the shapes of their stamens. These flowers are popular among bees and moths who will pollinate them. Eventually, woody fruit capsules will grow in. These pear-shaped, brown capsules grow to 5 inches long and are suspended from fuzzy stalks. Over time they will split, releasing seeds that will allow future mahogany trees to grow. Their roots dig deep into the earth, allowing them to stay rooted even during intense hurricanes. While mahogany trees are capable of growing to up to 200 feet tall with 20-inch leaves, it is more common to find them growing to 50 feet or less.