Santa Maria Hardwood (Calophyllum brasiliense)

Santa Maria, Jacareuba - Calophyllum brasiliense

Family
Clusiaceae

Scientific Name
Calophyllum brasiliense

Other Names
Jacareuba (Brazil, Argentina), Aceite Maria (Colombia),
Guanandi, Calaba, Leche Maria, Alfaro

General Description

Santa Maria’s beautiful heartwood can vary in tone from pink to red to purple, but is typically monochromatic. It is the wood of choice for many furniture builders in Central America due to its abundance and excellent workability. When finished, Maria displays a quality luster and grain pattern.

Workability

Santa Maria is regarded as an excellent hardwood for working by hand or machine.

In the presence of interlocked grain, sharp cutting tools are recommended, however the blunting effect is slight.

Screws and other fasteners hold effectively, and the grain responds well to gluing in joinery.

Drying

It is important to combine air and kiln drying knowledgeably with Calophyllum brasiliense to reduce defects. Kiln schedules T2-D4 and T2-D3 are recommended for 4/4 and 8/4 stock, respectively.

Durability

Santa Maria has good resistance to decay from fungi and dry-wood borers, but is moderately susceptible to termite attack. Thus, treatment and proper finishing are suggested. Santa Maria is not recommended for marine use.

Uses

Furniture, decorative mouldings, joinery, general construction, flooring, veneers, paneling, door and window frames