Huayruro (likely Ormosia coccinea)
Ormosia coccinea • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked and wavy grain; tight texture visible in the turned vessel form with faint growth rings and occasional small knots or bird's-eye-like inclusions
Color Description
Warm golden brown heartwood with yellow to orange undertones. The sapwood is typically pale yellow. With age and light exposure, the wood tends to darken into a deep reddish-brown, often exhibiting a moderate luster.
Hardness Rating
Appx. 1,600 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; good natural resistance to rot and fungal attack, though moderate susceptibility to certain boring insects.
Common Uses
Turning (bowls, vases), fine furniture, decorative veneers, jewelry (often using the seeds), and flooring.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America primarily in the Amazon Basin (Peru, Brazil, Ecuador).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 to $20.00 per board foot depending on figure and source.
Wood Age Estimate
The object appears to be a finished vessel with a developed patina, likely 5-15 years old since production, though the timber itself may have been harvested from a mature tree.
Sustainability Status
Not currently CITES listed, but classified as Least Concern by IUCN. However, regional sustainability varies and FSC certification is recommended.
Workability
Fairly difficult to work due to interlocked grain which can cause tearout during planing and turning. It glues and finishes well but requires sharp tools due to its density.
Notable Features
Famous for its beautiful red and black seeds often used in jewelry. The wood has a faint, indistinct scent when freshly cut and is prized for its high density and structural stability.
Finish Recommendations
High-gloss lacquers or penetrating oils (like Tung or Linseed oil) are recommended to enhance the golden-brown color and accommodate the chatoyancy of the grain.
Identification Confidence
Medium; based on the specific warm hue, diffuse-porous structure visible in the turn, and common use for this type of rounded decorative craft in South American regions.