Brazilian Cherry, Jatoba Hardwood Technical Species Information

We do not currently stock any Jatoba - Detailed scientific and mechanical properties for Brazilian Cherry, Jatoba Hardwood Lumber

Brazilian Cherry, Jatoba

Brazilian Cherry, also known as Jatoba, is one of the most popular exotic hardwoods. It’s not difficult to see why: Brazilian Cherry's breathtaking reddish-brown heartwood is lined by dark black streaks, giving it not only contrast but amazing depth as well. The heartwood will darken over time to a softer red-brown. Beyond its beauty, Brazilian Cherry is incredibly strong, with a Janka hardness rating of 2350. Silica is a natural mineral deposit commonly found in Brazilian Cherry, which can appear as a milky discoloration on the surface of the wood. This natural mineral can be identified by thin white lines in the grain, which go all the way through the piece. As the wood darkens due to exposure these affected areas remain lighter and typically present themselves in the form of blotches and streaks. We make every effort to eliminate silica from our Select & Clear grade flooring, however, it is not uncommon for some boards to make it past the inspection process. Because silica is a naturally occurring mineral within the tree it is not considered a defect and is not basis for a claim.

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Jatoba, Brazilian Cherry Wood Properties

Janka Hardness: 2,350 lbf
Modulus of Rupture (MOR): 19,400 psi
Modulus of Elasticity (MOE): 2,160 ×1000 psi
Density: 800 kg/m³
Tangential Shrinkage: 6.2%
Radial Shrinkage: 4.8%
Botanical Family: Leguminosae
Tree: The Brazilian Cherry tree can grow to a height of 130 ft with the diameter of the trunk reaching 5 to 6 feet. The average tree height is 100 feet with a diameter of 2-4 feet.
Distribution: Central America, the West Indies, northern Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, and Southern Mexico. The tree can typically be found on high riverbanks, ridges, or slopes.
Other Names: Hymenaea coubaril, Jatoba, Brazilian Cherry, Jutai, Locust, Copal, Azucar, Jatai

Jatoba, Brazilian Cherry Characteristics

Color

Brazilian Cherry heartwood can range from pinkish-red to brown-orange when it is fresh, transitioning to tan to reddish-brown when seasoned. The sapwood is typically gray, white, or pinkish in shade.

Texture

Medium to coarse

Grain

Mostly interlocked

Luster

Golden luster

Durability

Brazilian Cherry is rated as very durable. It is very resistant to brown-rot and white-rot fungi, and dry rot termites.

Drying

Slightly difficult to air dry

Workability

Brazilian Cherry is rated as moderately difficult to saw and and machine as a result of high density. For planing purposes, it can be machined to a smooth surface. Planing can be complicated by the wood's interlocked grain. Gluing and finishing Brazilian Cherry is rated as easy.

Applications

Railroad crossties, tree-nails, gear cogs, wheel rims, steam-bent parts, tool handles, decking, plywood, furniture, flooring.

Photosensitivity

Brazilian Cherry is a highly photosensitive wood. It will darken the most within the first 90 days after exposure to light. After 90 days the darkening process will slow, but like all woods it will never completely stop. Area rugs and low lying furniture should be kept off new floors for as long as possible to avoid discolored areas. It is also recommended these items be moved periodically to allow the covered areas to darken.

We specialize in both unfinished hardwood floors and prefinished flooring. Available width are 3", 4" and 5". Please see our product catalog for more information. Nova is the largest importer of unfinished and prefinished solid Brazilian Cherry flooring in the US. We have inventory stock points throughout the US. Typical grades are Clear and Select, but occasionally we have #1 Common and Mountain grades; the Mountain grade will generally have up to a 70% sap allowance in each piece, creating a beautiful striping effect in the floor.

We currently do not stock any Jatoba.