Brazilwood, Pernambuco, Lumber 27"x 6"x 1" 4.14 lbs.

Description

Brazilwood,  Pernambuco
(Botanical: Caesalpinia echinata)
Brazilwood Characteristics
Also known as Pernambuco to bow makers, Brazilwood is doubly famous as it's the only wood that has been responsible for the naming of a nation.  When the Portuguese discovered the trees on the coast of South America in 1500 they found the wood yielded a water-soluble red dye which made them valuable.  They named the tree pau basil (pau meaning wood and basil meaning red or ember-like).  The early sailors and merchants referred to the land itself as Terra do Brasil, or Land of Brazil.
Despite its high density, Brazilwood has great workability, though interlocked grain can result in tarot during surfacing.  Turns, glues, and finishes well.
Color Range
Heartwood is yellowish orange, sometimes darker reddish brown.  Whitish yellow sapwood is clearly demarcated.  Reported to hold its orange color better than African Padauk.
Other Names
Brazilwood, Pernambuco
Typical Use:
Musical instruments, Stringed
Instruments Bows and turned objects
Tree Characteristics:
The grows to a hight of 50 feet with a diameter of 3 feet.
Brazilwood grows:
Brazil, South America