Description

Quina is also known as Argentine Sandalwood, and locally as Cascarilla. It is distributed from Mexico to Argentina to Southern Brazil. The trees are typically 65-100 feet tall.

The wood is fine grained and very hard, but works easily (although it has a noticeable blunting effect on tools). It is usually a light pink when first machined or turned, but darkens to a deep purple-red or burgundy over time. The quarter sawn surfaces have subtle, but distinct stripped effect that changes with the angle that is view. Quina produces pleasant smell when being worked. Quina, and closely related Santos Mahogany (Myroxylon balsamum) are used to make perfumes or essential oil extracts for the cosmetics industry.

Used locally for a variety of purposes including hardwood furniture, flooring, and interior trim.

Also known as:

• Argentine Sandalwood

For further information see:

• The Wood Database