Macawood

Mexican tulipwood (Macawood - Macacauba) (Platymiscium paraense)

Description

A waxy red to brown color wood with black streaks obtained from Platymiscium pinnatum trees native to Central and South America. Macawood produces a smooth, highly polished finish. It has been used for furniture, cabinetry, veneers, and musical instruments.

Synonyms and Related Terms

Platymiscium pinnatum; macacauba; Mexican tulipwood; Hormigo; Orange agate

Physical and Chemical Properties

• Sapwood is white to yellow and clearly demarcated
• Heartwood color can be highly variable, ranging from a bright red to a darker reddish or purplish brown, frequently with darker stripes
• Grain is interlocked and texture is medium to fine
• Resistant to insects and decay.
• Density = 55-73 pcf

Working Properties

• Good working characteristics for both hand and machine tools, though areas of interlocked grain should be approached with care to avoid tear-out
• Able to take a very high natural polish
• Turns and glues well

Resources and Citations

• The Wood Database: Macabauba

• Website: agroforester.com/futfor/multispecies.html

• Wood Anatomy Research at http://www2.fpl.fs.fed.us/TechSheets/Chudnoff/TropAmerican/html_files/platym1new.html