Jatoba (Brazilian Cherry)
Hymenaea courbaril • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Primarily interlocked and slightly wavy; shows a medium to coarse texture with large, open pores typical of tropical hardwoods. Some ribbon-stripe figure is visible due to the interlocked grain.
Color Description
Heartwood is a rich salmon-pink to reddish-brown with lighter yellowish-tan streaks. It exhibits high luster and is known to darken significantly upon exposure to light, turning a deep russet mahogany color.
Hardness Rating
2,690 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot, termites, and most wood-boring insects. Highly resistant to physical wear and weathering.
Common Uses
Outdoor decking, heavy-duty flooring, furniture, cabinetry, tool handles, boat building, and railway ties.
Geographic Origin
Central America, Southern Mexico, the Caribbean, and Northern South America (particularly Brazil).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $10.00 to $15.00 per board foot depending on thickness and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Post-harvest age appears to be less than 5 years based on the vibrant orange-red hue and lack of deep oxidation/patina seen in older reclaimed samples.
Sustainability Status
Listed as Least Concern by the IUCN; not currently CITES listed, though often subject to FSC certification to ensure responsible harvesting in the Amazon basin.
Workability
Difficult due to extreme density and interlocked grain; causes significant dulling of tool edges. Planing can result in tearout. Glues and finishes well, though pre-boring is mandatory for screws.
Notable Features
Essentially odorless. High silica content can dull blades quickly. Significant color shift (photoreactive) occurs within weeks of light exposure.
Finish Recommendations
Water-based polyurethanes help preserve the initial light color; oil-based finishes will immediately darken the wood and enhance its deep reddish-brown tones.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinct salmon-orange color, visible large pores, and high-density appearance are characteristic of Hymenaea courbaril, particularly when seen in a decking/flooring context.