Jatoba (Brazilian Cherry)
Hymenaea courbaril • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked with a medium to coarse texture; features distinctive dark streaks appearing as a stripe pattern on quartersawn surfaces.
Color Description
Heartwood is light orange-brown to a darker reddish-brown. Exhibits significant darkening to a deep russet red upon exposure to light. Moderate natural luster.
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, ship building, and heavy construction.
Geographic Origin
Central America, southern Mexico, the Caribbean, and northern South America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or recently surfaced; heartwood shows initial oxidation but lacks deep patina of aged stock.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern; widely available and generally not CITES listed.
Workability
Difficult due to extreme density and interlocked grain; causes significant blunting of cutters. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Extremely heavy and stiff; can produce a mild, unpleasant odor when being worked. Known for exceptional shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane for flooring; oil-based finishes enhance the deep reddish-brown color transition.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of high density, coarse texture, and the specific orange-red color shift with dark streaks is characteristic of Jatoba.