Blue Mahoe
Talipariti elatum • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Strong cathedral grain figure visible from turning, generally straight to slightly wavy or interlocked; medium texture with a natural luster.
Color Description
Heartwood is incredibly varied, ranging from grayish-brown to olive-green or deep metallic blue/purple. Sapwood is narrow and pale yellow. The blue hues (visible as dark streaks in this bowl) are highly characteristic and tend to darken or mellow into a deeper olive/brown with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,100 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay, frequently used in outdoor or damp conditions in native regions.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, turned bowls, cabinetry, musical instruments (specifically cue sticks and jewelry boxes), and decorative veneers.
Geographic Origin
Native to the island of Jamaica and Cuba; widely planted in Puerto Rico and other Caribbean islands.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$40.00 - $60.00 per board foot; highly prized and often sold in small turning blanks at premium prices.
Wood Age Estimate
The bowl appears to be a contemporary turning; the oxidation state of the blue-green streaks suggests it was turned within the last 2-5 years and kept out of direct UV light.
Sustainability Status
Listed on the IUCN Red List as Least Concern, but trade is often controlled at local levels to prevent over-harvesting; not listed on CITES.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes smoothly and finishes to a high natural luster, though interlocked grain can occasionally cause minor tearout during turning.
Notable Features
It is the national tree of Jamaica. The most notable feature is the presence of anthocyanin and other pigments that create the unique blue-grey streaks. It has a mild, non-distinctive scent when being worked.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for clear, penetrating oils or shellac to highlight the color variety. UV-inhibiting finishes are highly recommended to preserve the unique blue and green tones as long as possible.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the specific grayish-blue vertical streaks (mineral/fungal staining typical of this species) and the distinct olive-tan cathedral grain is iconic to Talipariti elatum.