Philippine mahogany is quite variable and, as pointed out several times already, is not a true mahohany. Here is some info pieced togethr from several sources:


"The lauan genus (Shorea) contains about 70 species and their woods are extremely variable. Some are as soft as basswood while others are harder than white oak. Color may also vary from ash gray to dark reddish brown. The lumber industry markets these woods by their appearance and density characteristics rather than by species. The denser, dark red merantis have better decay resistance and are relatively stable. Most of the lauans are coarse textured and have poor decay resistance. Some have high silica content and may dull cutters, while others are exceptionally gummy. Lauan is widely sold around the world as 'Philippine mahogany', including its use for plywood face veneers. It is one of the world's most popular timbers.

Shorea genus is reported to be rather extensive, from India and Sri Lanka in the west and throughout Burma and several countries in Southeast Asia, and up to the Philippines in the east. The forests of Borneo, Sumatra, and the Malay Peninsula are reported to contain the highest concentration of species in the genus.        

Shorea is reported to be the major source of timber in Southeast Asia. They are plentiful, and supplies are reported to be universally available, especially in the form of veneers. This popular wood is reported to be typically priced in the inexpensive range. Many species in the Shorea genus are also reported to be a source of other economically important non-timber products. Seeds of some species yield fat which is used in the manufacture of chocolate. Others produce nuts, the most common of which is the illipe nuts of commerce produced by S. gysbertisiana . The nuts yield a fat which is similar to cocoa-butter in some of its properties. Shorea trees are also reported to be tapped for oleo-resin, and typical dammar is obtained from S. wiesneri which grows in Java and Sumatra. The tree of S. robusta is reported to produce dammar which is used as a disinfectant and as incense in religious ceremonies in India. Other non-timber products from Shorea are reported to include tannin and fibers. Members of a similar but smaller genus Parashorea are also harvested for their wood."