Ipe (Brazilian Walnut)
Handroanthus spp. (formerly Tabebuia spp.) • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Typically straight but often interlocked or wavy. The texture is fine to medium with a natural oily feel and moderate luster. End grain shows a diffuse-porous structure with small to medium pores.
Color Description
Heartwood is a deep olive-brown to blackish-brown, often with lighter or darker streaks. Sapwood is typically a yellowish-white and clearly demarcated from heartwood. It tends to darken and become more uniform upon exposure to UV light unless finished with UV inhibitors.
Hardness Rating
3,510 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot, decay, and insect attack (including termites). It is often rated for 25+ years of ground contact.
Common Uses
Outdoor decking, boardwalks, exterior siding, heavy construction, tool handles, flooring, and boat building.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America (principally Brazil, but also found in Argentina and Peru).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot, depending on width, length, and certification (FSC).
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears recently cut (freshly milled) based on the sharp edges and lack of significant graying or surface oxidation typical of weathered Ipe.
Sustainability Status
Handroanthus species were recently added to CITES Appendix II (effective 2024). Listed as near threatened by some regional assessments due to high demand and slow growth.
Workability
Difficult to work due to extreme density and hardness. It has a high blunting effect on tool edges; carbide-tipped tooling is mandatory. Gluing can be difficult due to natural oils. Pre-drilling is required for all fasteners.
Notable Features
It sinks in water (specific gravity > 1.0). When cut, it may emit a fine yellow-green powder (lapachol) which can cause skin irritation/dermatitis in sensitive individuals. It has high fire resistance, often receiving a Class A rating.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oil finishes specifically formulated for tropical hardwoods are best. Surface films like polyurethane or lacquer often fail and peel because the wood does not absorb them well and expands/contracts.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of the chocolate-olive color, extreme density visible in the tight grain, and the characteristic rough, fibrous end-grain texture where it was cut is highly diagnostic of the Handroanthus genus.