Bloodwood is a highly prized exotic hardwood, known for its striking, vibrant coloration. The heartwood displays a deep, rich red, resembling its namesake. It is sought after by artisans and luxury manufacturers worldwide for its aesthetic appeal and unique characteristics. Its impressive durability places it in a specialized category of rare and imported materials.
The True Source of Bloodwood
The internationally recognized Bloodwood comes from the tree species Brosimum rubescens, a tall, evergreen tree native to the tropical forests of South America, belonging to the Moraceae family. The tree thrives in the lowland rainforests of the Amazon basin, primarily in countries such as Brazil, Peru, Suriname, and the Guianas. The wood’s characteristic deep red hue is concentrated in the heartwood, the dense, innermost part of the tree trunk. The name Bloodwood stems from the reddish sap or latex that exudes from the trunk when wounded, which is part of the tree’s natural defense system. While the name is sometimes used for other species, such as Australian Bloodwood (Corymbia gummifera), the South American Brosimum rubescens is the variety prized in exotic lumber markets for its unique combination of color, density, and grain structure.
Identifying the Unique Properties of Bloodwood
The color of Bloodwood’s heartwood can range from a bright, nearly tomato red to a deeper, rich crimson, often featuring subtle striping. This vivid color does not remain static; over time and with prolonged exposure to sunlight, the wood’s intense red pigment will naturally oxidize and deepen. It generally shifts toward a darker, reddish-brown tone, though a protective, UV-inhibiting finish can help preserve the initial bright coloration.
Bloodwood is one of the densest and hardest woods available, possessing an average dried weight of approximately 66 pounds per cubic foot. Its extreme hardness is reflected in its high Janka rating, which measures around 2,900 pounds-force. This rating indicates a superior resistance to denting and wear compared to many traditional domestic hardwoods.
The wood exhibits a fine, uniform texture and typically straight grain, contributing to a high natural luster when polished. However, its density makes it challenging to work with, causing a blunting effect on cutting tools. Machining requires sharp, specialized carbide tools, and pre-drilling is necessary for screws and nails to prevent splitting.
Common Uses and Applications
Its striking color, density, and ability to take a brilliant polish make Bloodwood highly sought after for decorative and specialized applications. Its hardness ensures longevity for items requiring durability. Due to its cost and challenging workability, it is generally reserved for smaller, high-value projects rather than large-scale construction.
Bloodwood is frequently used by musical instrument makers for precise components like fretboards, bridges, and inlays, valued for its stability and resonance. Artisans also utilize it extensively in woodturning to create decorative objects such as bowls, pen blanks, and knife handles.
In interior design, Bloodwood serves as a luxury accent material, often sliced into decorative veneers for fine cabinetry and marquetry. Its rich color provides dramatic contrast when inlaid with lighter woods. Its resistance to wear also makes it an excellent choice for luxury flooring accents.