Pau Ferro

Common Name(s)

Pau Ferro, Morado, Bolivian Rosewood, Santos Rosewood

Scientific Name

Machaerium spp. (Machaerium scleroxylon)

Tree Distribution

Tropical South America (mainly Brazil and Bolivia)

Tree Size

65-100 ft. tall, 3-5 ft. trunk diameter

Janka Hardness

1960 lbf

Appearance

Color can be highly varied, ranging from reddish/orange to a dark violet/brown, usually with contrasting darker black streaks. Narrow sapwood is a pale yellow and is clearly demarcated from the heartwood.

Grain / Texture

Grain is typically straight, though sometimes slightly irregular or interlocked depending on the species. Fine, even texture and a naturally high luster—though depending on the particular species, the wood can have a coarser, more fibrous texture.

Pricing / Availability

Pau Ferro is in the medium price range for exotic imported hardwoods, and is likely to be much more affordable than some of the scarcer true rosewoods, (Dalbergia genus), of which this wood is often used as substitute.

- Information cited from Wood-Database.com