MOUNTAIN MAHOGANY

(Cercocarpus), any of a genus of North American evergreen shrubs or small trees, in the rose family (Rosaceae). The hard heartwood of these trees is highly valued for carving. C. betuloides and C. ledifolius are scaly-barked trees that may reach up to 9 m (30 feet) in height. C. intricatus, a shrub growing to 3 m (10 feet), has intricate branching. It is said that the common name was given to species of these plants by the Mormons, who used the wood to build the Tabernacle Organ at Salt Lake City, Utah.