Mahogany is a kind of wood — the straight - grained, reddish - brown timber . The three species are- Swietenia macrophylla, Swietenia mahagoni and Swietenia humilis. Swietenia species are classified officially as "genuine mahogany".Mahogany is a commercially important lumber prized for its beauty, durability, and color, and used for paneling and to make furniture, boats, musical instruments and other items.