2Any of various shrubs of the genus Cercocarpus (family Rosaceae), noted for their red wood and long-tailed fruits; especially C. ledifolius, of western North America.
Origin
Early 19th century; earliest use found in François André Michaux (1770–1855).
Definition of mountain mahogany in US English:
mountain mahogany
noun
US
1The sweet birch, Betula lenta.
2Any of various shrubs of the genus Cercocarpus (family Rosaceae), noted for their red wood and long-tailed fruits; especially C. ledifolius, of western North America.
Origin
Early 19th century; earliest use found in François André Michaux (1770–1855).