Brazilian Cherry

Specs

Common Names

Jatoba, Brazilian Cherry

Scientific Name

Hymenaea oblongifolia

Origin

Central America, southern Mexico, northern South America, and the West Indies

Appearance

Heartwood varies from a light orangish brown to a darker reddish brown, sometimes with contrasting darker grayish brown streaks. Color tends darken upon exposure to light. Sapwood is a light grayish yellow, clearly demarcated from the heartwood. Grain is typically interlocked, with a medium to coarse texture. Good natural luster. Endgrain: Diffuse-porous; large pores, very few; solitary and radial multiples of 2-3; mineral deposits (dark brown) occasionally present; parenchyma vasicentric, aliform (lozenge or winged), confluent, and marginal; narrow to medium rays, normal spacing.

Avg. Dried Weight

57 lbs/ft3 (910 kg/m3)

Janka Hardness

2690 lbf

Modulus of Rupture

22,510 lbf/in2 (155.2 MPa)

Elastic Modulus

2,745,000 lbf/in2 (18.93 GPa)

Crushing Strength

11,780 lbf/in2 (81.2 MPa)

Shrinkage

Radial: 4.2%, Tangential: 8.0%, Volumetric: 12.1%, T/R Ratio: 1.9

Durability

Jatoba is rated as being very durable in regards to rot resistance, and is also resistant to termites and most other insects. (Though it has been reported to be susceptible to attack from marine borers.)

Workability

Jatoba is considered difficult to work with on account of its density and hardness, and has a moderate blunting effect on tool cutters. Jatoba also tends to be difficult to plane without tearout due to its interlocking grain. However, Jatoba glues, stains, turns, and finishes well. Responds well to steam-bending.