Description

Native to tropical South America, particularly Brazil and Bolivia, Pau Ferro is also known as Bolivian Rosewood, Santos Rosewood, and Morado. The trees typically grow in the drier parts of the forest and grow to 50-65 feet tall. While not a true rosewood, it is closely related and has many similarities. The heartwood of Pau Ferro is dark brown in colour with black or dark brown streaks that produce a striped appearance on surfaces that are perpendicular to the growth rings. The wood has a subtle, but pleasant 3D-effect (or chatoyance) when viewed from different angles. The sapwood of Pau Ferro is pale yellow and is distinct from the heartwood.

While similar to many rosewoods, Pau Ferro is generally has finer texture, tighter grain and is a somewhat heavier. Pau Ferro turns and finishes well, producing a high quality finish with little effort. Like many of rosewood, the sanding dust can produce severe allergic reactions in some people.

Pau Ferro is commonly used for fret boards on many modern guitars, as well as decorative items such as boxes, pens, and turnings.

Also known as:

• Santos Rosewood
• Bolivian Rosewood
• Morado

For further information see:

• The Wood Database
• Woods To Know