Macawood
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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