Brazilian Rosewood
Family
Leguminosae
Other Common Names
Palissandre du Bresil (French), Jacaranda de Brasil (Spanish), Cabiuna, Caviuna, Jacaranda (Brazil).
Distribution
Of scattered occurrence in the eastern forests of the State of Bahia and southward to Espirito Santo and Rio de Janeiro and inland to include Minas Gerais. Because of long-time exploitation, the tree has become very scarce in the more accessible regions.
The Tree
Sometimes attains a height of 125 ft, with short irregular bole, often buttressed, trunk diameters 3 to 4 ft. Old trees are generally hollow and also lose much of their volume when the undesired sapwood is hewed off. Old defective stems yield the most attractive wood.
The Wood
General Characteristics
Heartwood is various shades of brown to chocolate or violet irregularly and conspicuously streaked with black; dark specimens with oily or waxy appearance and feel; sharply demarcated from the white sapwood. Grain generally straight; texture medium to rather coarse; luster medium; fragrant rose-like odor, taste distinctive.