Jatoba (Brazilian Cherry)
Hymenaea courbaril · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Central America, Southern Mexico, the Caribbean, and Northern South America (particularly Brazil).
- Hardness
- 2,690 lbf (Extremely Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot, termites, and most wood-boring insects. Highly resistant to physical wear and weathering.
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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 & Appearance
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 (Janka)
2,690 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot, termites, and most wood-boring insects. Highly resistant to physical wear and weathering.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Notable Features
Essentially odorless. High silica content can dull blades quickly. Significant color shift (photoreactive) occurs within weeks of light exposure.
