Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba)
Hymenaea courbaril • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain with a medium to coarse texture; visible end-grain shows a diffuse-porous structure and potential for slight ribbon-stripe figure on quartersawn surfaces.
Color Description
Heartwood is a deep reddish-brown with dark streaks; sapwood is typically a light gray-yellow. The wood undergoes a significant darkening process (photo-oxidation) from a salmon-orange to a rich russet-red upon exposure to light.
Hardness Rating
2,350 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and termites, though it has some susceptibility to marine borers.
Common Uses
Flooring, heavy construction, ship building, fine furniture, cabinetry, tool handles, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Central America, southern Mexico, the Caribbean, and northern South America (primarily Brazil).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$8.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on grade and sizing.
Wood Age Estimate
The deep oxidation and patina suggest the sample is likely 5 to 15 years old since fabrication, given the rich dark-red hue.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices; categorized as Least Concern by the IUCN, though localized over-harvesting remains a concern.
Workability
Difficult to work due to extreme density and interlocked grain, which can cause significant tearout during planing. It has a high dulling effect on tool edges; glue-up and finishing are generally good.
Notable Features
Often releases a faint, pleasant scent when worked; exceptionally high shock resistance and density; high tannin content can cause dark staining if in contact with water and iron.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes enhance the deep red tones; polyurethane is recommended for high-wear areas like flooring; may require wipe-down with solvent before gluing due to natural oils.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic deep russet-red color combined with the visible density, pore structure on the end grain, and typical application for small worked objects is highly indicative of Jatoba.