Exotic Hardwoods of Rhode Island

   Brazilian Cherry

Description:   Brazilian cherry is a very beautiful reddish brown wood, with an interlocking grain and a golden luster or glow beneath. It is a hard, heavy and very strong wood. Brazilian cherry steam-bends well, and glues well, although nailing may require pre-drilling. This species is on of the most popular imported species given its inherent beauty, rich coloring and superior hardness.

Common Name:  Jatoba

Country of Origin:  Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Venezuela, Suriname,  Nicaragua, Mexico, Guatemala, and the Caribbean

Color Range:  Brazilian Cherry varies from yellowish hues to pink/reds to dark reds with black striping.  Quartered selection yields the most uniform look/color range.

Color Change:  Like domestic cherry, Brazilian Cherry will change dramatically over time from the yellow/tan/salmon color when freshly milled into a deep rich reddish color.  In direct sunlight, the color change will occur within a few days. Out of sunlight, it will oxidize slowly over six months. Water based finishes tend to retard the color change while oil based finishes enhance the change.

Botanical name:  Hymenaea, courbaril

Other Names:  Courbaril, Guapinol

Hardness:  2820 as compared to: Red oak- 1260 & N maple- 1450

Exotic Hardwoods of Rhode Island