Size of tree and type of forest/location: Large hardwoods of the rainforests from Mexico to Brazil and in the West Indies

Description of wood: Heartwood pale red to mid red-brown, clearly distinguishable from the heartwood. Fragrant odour, texture coarse and grain usually straight. Said to be a good deterrent to moths.
Dry density kg/m3: 450

Workability: Easy to work if tools are kept really sharp to counter the ‘wooliness’ of the timber. Some gummy exudations can build up on processing equipment. Nails and glues well. Suitable for steam bending.

Use: Most famous use has been for cigar boxes. Furniture, clothes, cupboards, boatbuilding.

Availability: Scarce