Palo Santo (Bulnesia sarmientoi)
Bulnesia sarmientoi • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked, tight grain with a fine, even texture. The cross-section shows distinct radial streaks and a very dense, waxy cell structure.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light olive brown to dark chocolate brown or near black, often with greenish hues. Sapwood is a pale yellow/cream color. It darkens significantly upon exposure to light and oxygen (becoming more green).
Hardness Rating
4,500 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to rot, decay, and insects due to high natural oil and resin content.
Common Uses
Incense, essential oils, small turnings, tool handles, carvings, and high-wear applications like bearings or bushings.
Geographic Origin
Gran Chaco region of South America (Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$40.00 - $60.00 per board foot (Highly regulated).
Wood Age Estimate
Fresh cut (less than 1 year). The light color indicates minimal oxidation, and the blade marks are prominent and sharp.
Sustainability Status
CITES Appendix II listed; IUCN Red List: Endangered. Trade is strictly regulated.
Workability
Difficult due to extreme density and high oil content. Dulls blades quickly. Resins can interfere with glues and fasteners. Polishes to a high natural luster without much finish.
Notable Features
Powerful, sweet, citrusy fragrance that persists for years. Very high resin and oil content (Guaiac oil). The wood is so dense it sinks in water.
Finish Recommendations
Best left unfinished or with a light wax to preserve the natural scent. Solvent-based sealers are required if finishing is necessary to prevent oil bleed-through.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of the thin, yellowish sapwood on a log of this size, the dense end-grain structure, the specific bark texture, and the characteristic color transition are hallmarks of Bulnesia sarmientoi.