Mooman,

You got it right! Mahogany is becoming a generic word for many species. I have used African Mahogany with great results on several instruments. I found some beautiful quatersawn with wonderful depth that was a pleasure to work with. Great source for African Hardwoods is Cormark International in Weaverville, NC. They own their own sawmills and most of the lumber is plantation grown or ecologically harvested. They now have African Blackwood (Dalbergia variety) and in suitable sizes for guitars.

Ben