Brazilian Pau Rosa
Aniba duckei
Also known as: Brazilian Rosewood, Precious Rosewood, Cayenne Rosewood, Pau Rosa
Pau Rosa is a prized South American hardwood renowned for its exceptional durability, beautiful golden color, and distinctive rose-like fragrance. Highly valued for fine woodworking and musical instruments, it faces conservation concerns due to over-harvesting and is now regulated under international trade agreements.
Botanical Profile
Aniba duckei is a medium to large tree from the Lauraceae family, native to the Amazon basin of Brazil, French Guiana, and Suriname. The tree typically reaches heights of 25-30 meters with trunk diameters of 60-90 centimeters. It produces aromatic wood prized for both timber and essential oil extraction.
Physical Properties
The heartwood exhibits a warm yellow to golden brown color with occasional reddish tones, presenting fine uniform texture and straight to slightly interlocked grain. With density of approximately 870 kg/m³ when dried and Janka hardness of 1,780 lbf, it offers excellent strength. The wood demonstrates high dimensional stability and remarkable natural durability.
Workshop Notes
Blunting Effect
Moderate to high - density can dull cutting edges, use sharp tools
Gluing Advice
Good gluing properties, though oily nature may require surface preparation
Finishing
Excellent - takes finishes beautifully, natural oils give warm glow
Steam Bending
Good steam bending properties when properly prepared
Historical Context
Pau Rosa has been commercially exploited since the early 20th century for both timber and rosewood oil production used in perfumery. Over-harvesting led to population decline, resulting in CITES Appendix II listing in 2017 to regulate international trade. Despite its name, it is botanically unrelated to true rosewoods of the Dalbergia genus.
Technical Specs
Yellow to golden brown heartwood, sometimes with subtle reddish hues, sapwood pale yellow
Vulnerable - CITES Appendix II listed, harvest restrictions apply