noun
or ma·ha·gua məˈhägwə
( -s )
Etymology: American Spanish (also, demajagua, damajagua ), from Taino
: either of two malvaceous trees that are often considered variant forms of a single species:
a. : an irregularly spreading or shrubby tree ( Hibiscus tiliaceus ) that is widely distributed along tropical shores, yields a light tough wood used especially for canoe outriggers and a fibrous bast used for cordage and caulking, and is often cultivated for ornament or for its useful products — called also balibago, purau
b. : an erect forest tree ( H. elatus ) of the West Indian uplands yielding a moderately dense timber with the heartwood variegated in purple, metallic blue, and olive that is in demand especially for cabinetwork and gunstocks — called also blue mahoe