Appearance: Heartwood is reddish brown becoming deep red with hues of purple upon exposure. It has a distinctive fragrance that makes it high in demand. Gloss is medium to high, grain is interlocked with medium to fine texture with narrow parallel bands of streaks and patterns.

Characteristics: Its stability, beauty, strength and outstanding durability makes it one of the most popular hardwood flooring species in the world. It is heavy and moderately difficult to saw. Mechanical properties and mechanical resistance are high. Responds well to artificial drying using a mild drying program. Heartwood shows high natural durability and does not require preservation.

Weight: Basic specific gravity (ovendry weight/green volume) 0.74 to 0.81; air- dry density 54 to 62 pcf.

Janka Rating: 2160

Working Properties: Sawing and machining is difficult due to hardness. Carbide tooling is recommended.

Uses: Furniture, Highest quality flooring, tools, turnery, interior trims, stair treads, countertops. Often used as an ingredient in perfumes.