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African Pau Rosa

Bobgunnia fistuloides

Also known as: African Rosewood, Pink Ivory Substitute, Bobinga, Pau Rosa

Technical Spec Sheet

2026-07-14

African Pau Rosa wood grain

Reference grain swatch

Janka Hardness
2,050 lbf (9,119 N)
Avg. Dried Weight
925 kg/m³ (58 lb/ft³)
Specific Gravity
0.83
Type
Hardwood
Grain
Interlocked, sometimes irregular
Texture
Medium to fine
Durability
Very durable, highly resistant to decay and insect attack
Region
Africa
Sustainability
Sustainable — Not listed in CITES but should be sourced responsibly

Overview

Pau Rosa is a striking African hardwood prized for its deep reddish-pink to purple-brown heartwood color. With exceptional hardness and durability, it serves as a substitute for endangered rosewood species and is highly valued for fine woodworking, turning, and decorative applications. The wood develops a lustrous finish when properly worked.

Pau Rosa is very dense with a dried weight of approximately 925 kg/m³ and exceptional Janka hardness of 2,050 lbf. The heartwood displays a distinctive deep reddish-pink to purple-brown color that darkens with age. Grain is typically interlocked and sometimes irregular. Medium to fine texture with specific gravity of 0.83.

Workshop Notes

Blunting Effect

High - very dense wood that dulls cutting edges quickly

Gluing

Glues well once surfaces are properly prepared and cleaned

Finishing

Finishes to a beautiful lustrous surface, especially with oil or wax

Steam Bending

Not typically used for bending due to density and grain structure

Scent

Pleasant, mild rose-like fragrance when worked

Assessment

Strengths

  • Exceptional durability
  • Beautiful distinctive color
  • High density and hardness
  • Excellent stability

Weaknesses

  • Difficult to work
  • Can dull cutting tools
  • Limited availability
  • Expensive

Common Uses

Fine furniture · Turned objects · Inlays · Musical instruments · Knife handles · Decorative veneer