- Species: Derived from Dalbergia Retusa.
- Origin: Native to Central America (Nicaragua, Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico).
- Durability: Exceptional – highly resistant to decay, moisture, and insect attack.
- Highlights: Extremely dense, oily hardwood with brilliant colors ranging from orange, red, and yellow to deep brown with black streaks; prized for its beauty and workability.
- Form: Sawn lumber, slabs, veneers, turning blanks, and small crafted blocks.
- Grade: Premium and select grades, sold by figure and color quality.
- Moisture: Naturally oily; kiln-dried and air-dried options, typically MC (6 – 12%).
- Dimensions Available: Sawn Lumber / Boards: Thickness: 2.5 cm, 3.8 cm, 5 cm, 6.3 cm / Width: 10 cm – 25 cm / Length: 180 cm – 300 cm. Veneer Sheets: Thickness: 0.05 cm – 0.2 cm / Width: 12 cm – 25 cm / Length: 240 cm – 300 cm. Turning Blanks / Blocks: Square Blocks: 5×5×30 cm, 7.5×7.5×30 cm / Pen Blanks: 2×2×15 cm. Slabs (Live-Edge): Thickness: 5 cm – 12 cm / Width: 30 cm – 70 cm (sometimes up to 100 cm) / Length: 200 cm – 320 cm.
- Janka Hardness: ~2,960 lbf (13,180 N)
- Grain: Straight to interlocked; fine, uniform texture with high natural luster; oily surface.
- Color: Ranges from bright orange, reddish-brown, and yellow to dark brown with black or purple streaks; color deepens with age.
- Water Resistance: Excellent – natural oils make it highly resistant to moisture and decay.
- Certification: CITES Appendix II (restricted trade due to overharvesting); FSC® certified sources available but limited.
- Outdoor Suitability: Good natural durability but generally reserved for indoor luxury use due to rarity and cost.
- Indoor Suitability: Excellent – highly stable, decorative, and durable indoors.
- Estimated Prices: Per Cubic Meter (m3) = ~US $20,000 to $30,000+ / Price per Piece = ~US $120 to $800+ (Depending on Size, figure, quality, and color, due to rarity).
- Use Cases: High-end furniture and cabinetry, luxury veneers and inlays, fine musical instruments (especially guitars and woodwinds), gunstocks, knife handles, decorative art pieces, and precision turned objects.
