Wood of the day #36: Brazilwood
Common name(s): Brazilwood, Pau-Brasil, Pau de Pernambuco, Pernambuco Tree, Nicaragua Wood, Ibirapitanga Botanical name: Caesalpinia echinata Synonymous: Guilandina echinata Distribution: Brazil Description: Hard and yellowish wood, sometimes towards a darker almost red colour. Grain is straight and the texture is similar to that of a rough sanded ebony. Compared to some other dense woods it has a good workability and finishes nicely. Fun facts: Perhaps the only wood that was so famous, it was responsible for the naming of an entire nation? Pau-Brasil means “Ember coloured wood” more precise pau meaning wood, and brasil meaning red/ember-like. ...