Courbaril
Colour
Durability
Density in kg/m3
The TreeHymenaea species are generally large trees, growing to a height of 40.0m but more usually 30.0m or a little less, and a diameter of 0.6m to 1.2m. The trunk is usually free of branches for 1 2.0m to 24.0m, well formed and basally swollen or buttressed in large trees.
The TimberThe heartwood is salmon-red to orange-brown, becoming russet to reddish-brown when seasoned. The sapwood is usually wide, and white, grey, or pinkish, sharply demarcated from the heartwood. The grain may be straight, but is more commonly interlocked, and the texture is medium to coarse.The heartwood is frequently marked with dark streaks and sometimes shows a golden lustre. It weighs about 910 kg/m3 when dried.
DryingSlightly difficult to air dry, with a slight tendency to warp, check and caseharden.
StrengthCourbaril is a very strong, hard, tough wood, generally superior to oak in all properties except compression perpendicular to the grain in which both species are slightly inferior to oak.
Working QualitiesMedium - difficult. Its high density makes courbaril moderately difficult to work. It nails badly, but holds screws well. It turns satisfactorily, glues well, finishes smoothly, but does not take a high polish.
Latin NameHymenaea spp, Hymenaea courbaril
Also known asjatoba (Brazil), jatai, farinheira, jatai amarelo, jatai vermelho (Brazil), locust (West Indes, Central America) Guapinol (Nicaragua)
Wood TypeHardwood
TreatabilityNo information
MoistureMedium
TextureMedium to coarse
OriginBrazil, Bolivia, Peru, Central America, Mexico, Nicaragua
Related Case Studies
Sourcing timber
The TDUK Wood Species Database provides practical information on wood species currently or recently available in the UK market.
Before importing any species listed, you must carry out due diligence to ensure compliance with environmental, social and legal standards, including CITES – the international agreement protecting endangered species.
When buying from existing stock, always source through a TDUK member, who will have completed the required due diligence, including CITES checks.
If a species is no longer commercially available, TDUK members can advise on legal, sustainable alternatives that match desired characteristics such as colour, appearance or density.
