Jatoba (Brazilian Cherry)
Hymenaea courbaril • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight grain, but often interlocked; texture is medium to coarse with a natural luster. Shows characteristic flat-sawn cathedral patterns in some boards.
Color Description
Heartwood varies from light orange-brown to a darker reddish-brown held against a greyish-white sapwood. It is famous for its photosensitivity, darkening significantly to a deep reddish-burgundy upon exposure to light.
Hardness Rating
2,350 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and termites, though susceptible to some marine borers.
Common Uses
Flooring (most common), furniture, cabinetry, tool handles, shipbuilding, and heavy construction.
Geographic Origin
Central America, southern Mexico, the Caribbean, and northern South America (principally Brazil).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$7.00 - $12.00 per board foot (standard grade flooring)
Wood Age Estimate
The wood appears to be a modern kiln-dried flooring installation, likely 5-15 years old based on the oxidation level and surface wear.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices; ranked as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. FSC-certified options are generally available.
Workability
Difficult to work due to extreme density and hardness. It has a high blunting effect on cutters. Gluing can be difficult occasionally due to natural oils, but it finishes to a high luster.
Notable Features
Distinctive reddish-orange hue; extremely heavy and stiff; can have a faint, unpleasant odor when being worked.
Finish Recommendations
Water-based or oil-based polyurethanes are recommended for flooring. Due to darkness changes, UV-inhibiting finishes can slow the color shift if desired.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the reddish-brown color shifts between adjacent planks, the specific interlocking grain texture, and its application as tongue-and-groove flooring is classic for Jatoba.