Jatoba (Brazilian Cherry)
Hymenaea courbaril • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain with a medium to coarse texture. The sample shows a flat-sawn cathedral pattern at the top transitioning into straighter, ribbon-like grain with characteristic dark reddish-brown streaks.
Color Description
Heartwood is light orange-brown to a darker reddish-brown. It exhibits significant light sensitivity, darkening considerably to a deep reddish-brown over time when exposed to UV light. Sapwood is typically greyish-white.
Hardness Rating
2,690 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and termites, though susceptible to marine borers.
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, tool handles, shipbuilding, railroad ties, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Central America, southern Mexico, South America, and the West Indies.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$8.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on thickness and quality.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears relatively fresh or recently surfaced, evidenced by the lighter orange-tan tones that have not yet fully oxidized into the deep burgundy associated with aged Jatoba.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable but often subject to illegal logging concerns in the Amazon.
Workability
Difficult to work due to extreme density and hardness. It has a high blunting effect on cutters. Glues, finishes, and turns well, but pre-drilling is essential for nails and screws.
Notable Features
Often called 'Brazilian Cherry' though it is not a true cherry. Known for its incredible impact resistance and a distinctive scent when being worked.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well; oil-based finishes enhance the deep reddish tones, while water-based finishes can help maintain the lighter orange hues longer.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the orange-brown base color, the prominent dark longitudinal streaks (vascular lines), and the visible density/texture is classic for Hymenaea courbaril.