SEVERAL self-proclaimed environmentalists have apparently demonized mahogany, which they label as an invasive species. I even read an article that structured the narrative in the form of a post-colonial struggle to decolonize our natural landscape.
The context for this is born from the campaign by many to plant trees in the face of the scorching heat we suffered recently and the spate of punishing temperatures that caused the cancellation of classes and outdoor activities and sent our electric bills skyrocketing. Mahogany became a poster tree that many elevated for trolling as a cautionary tale against those who thought planting any kind of tree would be always good for our environmental and physical health. The lobby against mahogany was most pronounced among those who espoused native trees and opposed the planting of exotic and non-native ones on the strength of the argument that they are always bad for our biodiversity.
Continue reading with one of these options:
Ad-free access
P 80 per month
(billed annually at P 960)
- Unlimited ad-free access to website articles
- Limited offer: Subscribe today and get digital edition access for free (accessible with up to 3 devices)