Pau Marfim (Balfourodendron riedelianum)

 

Family - Rutaceae

 

Distribution - Southern Brazil.

 

Other Names: Farinha-seca, Gramixinga, Guataia, Guatambu blanco / moroti, Ibira-nete, Ibiranoti, Ivorywood, Marfim, Moroti, Pao liso, Pao marfim, Pau liso, Pequia marfim, Quatamba

 

Characteristics: The wood is whitish-yellow to lemon coloured, with little distinction between sapwood and heartwood. The texture is very fine and uniform, the grain straight or irregular, occasionally interlocked, and the wood has a medium lustre. It weighs about 800 Kg / m3 when dried.

 

Working Qualities: Easy to work, but with some tendency to blunten cutting edges, it turns well and finishes smoothly.

 

Uses: Suitable for flooring, turnery, shoe lasts (as a substitute for Maple) and for furniture and cabinet-making.