Sabicu
Scientific name: Lysiloma sabicu
Overview
Sabicu is a dense Caribbean hardwood historically harvested in Cuba and used extensively in shipbuilding, structural framing, and heavy construction. It is known for its strength, durability, and resistance to decay.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Sabicu was exported for marine construction due to its performance in demanding environments.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Sabicu
- Scientific Name: Lysiloma sabicu
- Region: Caribbean & West Indies Hardwoods (Cuba and surrounding Caribbean regions)
- Tree Size: 40–80 ft tall, 1–3 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 58 lbs/ft³ (930 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 2,200 lbf
- Color: Reddish brown to dark brown with darker streaks
- Grain: Interlocked
- Texture: Fine to medium
Identification Characteristics
Sabicu typically displays a medium to dark reddish-brown heartwood that may darken with age. The grain is often interlocked, producing subtle ribbon effects when quartersawn. Texture ranges from medium to slightly coarse, and the wood feels noticeably heavy.
Key identification traits include:
- Reddish-brown heartwood
- Moderate to high weight
- Interlocked grain
- Ribbon figure on quartersawn surfaces
- Durable in exterior exposure
Working Properties
Sabicu is strong and durable but can present moderate machining challenges due to interlocked grain.
- May produce tear-out when planing
- Requires sharp tooling
- Glues adequately with proper surface prep
- Finishes well
- Suitable for heavy structural applications
Safety Note
Dust may cause irritation in sensitive individuals. Standard shop protection is recommended.
Common Uses
Sabicu common uses including:
- Shipbuilding
- Structural beams
- Heavy exterior construction
- Tool handles
- Flooring
Sustainability & Notes
Sabicu has seen reduced commercial availability compared to the colonial export era. Large dimensional lumber is less common today, and most available stock appears in limited quantities.
Collectors may encounter smaller boards or reclaimed structural material.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Tzalam – Similar in density and coloration but generally more uniform in texture.
Ipe – Denser and darker, with higher wear resistance.
African Mahogany – Lighter and easier to machine, with more consistent grain.
Related Guides
Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale Guide)
Provides context for Sabicu’s structural performance compared to other tropical hardwoods.
Moisture Content & Long-Term Stability
Explains how dense interlocked hardwoods behave during acclimation.
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Helps distinguish Sabicu from similar reddish-brown tropical species.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Sabicu is less commonly encountered in modern retail lumber compared to its historical prominence. Its interlocked grain and ribbon figure make it visually distinct from more uniform Caribbean hardwoods. Reclaimed marine or structural material carries added historical interest within a documented collection.
Share Your Photos of This Species
Do you have lumber, wood samples, tree photographs, woodworking projects, furniture, carvings, turnings, musical instruments, or other items made from this species?
Exotic Woods of the World welcomes photographs from woodworkers, collectors, sawyers, researchers, and wood enthusiasts around the world. Selected submissions may be featured on this page and throughout our website to help document and showcase real-world examples of this species.
When submitting photos, please include the common name, scientific name (if known), a brief description, and any information you would like us to share with the image.
Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Contributions help fund the continued expansion of this archive while promoting sustainable forestry education and the long-term appreciation of the world’s forests.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
Related Tools & Products:
• Gorilla All Purpose Wood Filler, Natural Finish (16 oz) for filling cracks, holes, gouges, and imperfections before sanding, staining, or painting woodworking projects
https://amzn.to/3R3eCCg
• DEWALT DPG82 Concealer Anti-Fog Safety Goggles for protecting your eyes from sawdust, wood chips, and flying debris during cutting, sanding, and routing
https://amzn.to/4uTlqQZ
• WORKPRO Folding Roller Stand with Adjustable Height for supporting long boards, plywood, and lumber during table saw, miter saw, and woodworking operations
https://amzn.to/4eKR2lO
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