SCIENTIFIC NAME
Machaerium scleroxylon

FAMILY
Leguminosae

OTHER NAMES
Morado, Moradillo, Santos Palisander

DISTRIBUTION
Tree is Native To: Bolivia and Brazil.

CHARACTERISTICS
Bolivian rosewood is an exotic and imported hardwood that is strikingly beautiful. It is sold as a substitute for Brazilian rosewood (Dalbergia nigra) and it is very difficult to tell the two apart. The Heartwood brown to dark violet brown, often streaked, rather waxy; sapwood whitish, grayish, or yellowish. Luster medium to high; texture fine coarse; grain straight to irregular; without distinctive taste but sometimes walnut scented. the texture is medium to coarse and the wood is oily to the touch. The machinery dust from this species can cause severe skin irritation.

COMMON USES
Bolivian Rosewood can be used anywhere the rich look of rosewood is desired. Furniture - cabinet making - joinery - instrument making - tool and knife handles and veneers.

WORKING PROPERTIES
Bolivian Rosewood requires pre-boring for fasteners. Gluing can be difficult. A nice smooth finish can be obtained. This wood is very good for steam bending.

Information from: http://curiouswoods.com, and USDA Forest Service Wood Technical Fact Sheet

Photographs from MDArtworks