The name Bloodwood perfectly describes this tropical hardwood known for its striking, deep crimson color. This timber is a favorite among artisans and woodworkers for its unique aesthetic qualities and strength. Bloodwood offers a combination of vibrant color and high density, making it a material of choice for projects where both durability and a vivid appearance are desired.
Defining the Species and Origin
The primary species traded as Bloodwood is Brosimum rubescens, belonging to the Moraceae family. This tree is native to the tropical forests of South America, with significant harvesting occurring in regions like Brazil, Suriname, Guyana, and French Guiana. Within its native range, the timber is often known by other common names, such as Satine or Muirapiranga.
While the term “Bloodwood” is a trade name sometimes applied to other red-hued species, Brosimum rubescens is the source for the lumber most commonly recognized. The trees can grow quite tall, reaching heights of up to 150 feet. The lumber is harvested from the heartwood, which provides the distinctive, highly valued coloration.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics
The defining feature of this timber is its heartwood, which exhibits a bright, vivid red hue, often described as a true crimson. This intense coloration is the basis for the wood’s common name and makes it sought after for decorative purposes. Upon initial cutting, the wood presents its most vibrant shade, but this color is not entirely stable over time.
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and air causes the wood to undergo oxidation, which slowly shifts the bright red toward a deeper, more muted reddish-brown. Applying a protective finish and limiting direct sun exposure can help to slow this natural darkening process. Bloodwood is also notable for its density, with an average dried weight of approximately 66 pounds per cubic foot. This high density, with a specific gravity around 1.05, often causes the lumber to sink when placed in water.
The wood’s density also translates to strength, measured on the Janka hardness scale at roughly 2,900 pounds-force. This high rating means the wood is very resistant to denting and wear, contributing to its durability. Its texture is fine and uniform, and the grain pattern is typically straight, though it can sometimes be slightly interlocked, often displaying a natural, high luster.
Specialized Applications and Workability
The combination of hardness and vibrant color makes Bloodwood an excellent choice for specialized and decorative projects. It is frequently used in fine woodworking for small, high-wear items like custom knife handles, tool handles, and turning blanks for bowls and pens. The wood’s aesthetic qualities are utilized in musical instrument making, particularly for guitar fingerboards, trim, and inlays, where the red color acts as a striking contrast.
Working with this timber presents several challenges due to its density and hardness. It is known to have a significant blunting effect on cutting tools, requiring the use of very sharp, often carbide-tipped, equipment. The wood is also somewhat brittle, which means it can easily splinter or chip during machining. Pre-drilling is required when using screws or nails to prevent splitting. The fine dust produced during sanding and cutting can cause mild irritation, and in some sensitive individuals, symptoms like nausea or skin irritation have been reported.