Canela
Scientific name: Cinnamomum verum
Overview
Canela is a group of South American hardwood species within the Nectandra genus, native to Brazil and surrounding regions. It is known for its light to medium brown coloration, moderate density, and ease of workability.
Often used in furniture, cabinetry, and interior applications, Canela provides a balance of strength and machinability, making it suitable for both structural and decorative uses.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Canela
- Scientific Name: Cinnamomum verum
- Region: South American Hardwoods (Brazil)
- Tree Size: 60–100 ft tall, 2–4 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 35 lbs/ft³ (560 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 780 lbf
- Color: Light brown to medium brown
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
Canela is identified by its relatively uniform light brown color and simple grain structure.
Key identification traits include:
- Light to medium brown heartwood
- Straight to slightly interlocked grain
- Medium texture
- Uniform and understated appearance
Working Properties
Canela is generally easy to work and well-suited for a wide range of applications.
- Machines easily
- Planes and sands smoothly
- Glues and finishes well
- Accepts coatings evenly
- Good dimensional stability
Safety Note
Dust may cause mild irritation. Standard protective measures are recommended.
Common Uses
Canela is commonly used in applications where ease of machining and moderate strength are desired.
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Interior trim
- Paneling
- General woodworking
Sustainability & Notes
Canela is not listed under CITES. It is widely harvested in South America, and responsible sourcing is recommended.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Cedro – Similar workability with lighter coloration.
Tornillo – Comparable density and general-use applications.
Andiroba – Slightly heavier with a more reddish tone.
Related Guides
Wood Identification
Helps distinguish similar medium-density hardwoods.
Drying & Acclimating Exotic Woods
Important for stability and performance.
Hardwood vs Softwood
Provides context for structural differences.
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
Canela is a useful addition to collections representing lighter, more utilitarian South American hardwoods. Its uniform appearance and ease of workability make it a good baseline comparison species.
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.
Love This Species?
Enjoy learning about this wood species?
Help support the continued growth of Exotic Woods of the World by participating in our Adopt a Species program. Your support helps fund species research, educational content, photography, videos, and future conservation awareness initiatives.
Support Forest Conservation
This species is part of the growing Exotic Woods of the World reference archive, dedicated to documenting and preserving knowledge of the world’s wood species.
Through the Adopt a Species program, visitors can help support ongoing species research, educational content, photography, video production, and future conservation awareness initiatives.
Contributions help fund the continued expansion of this archive while promoting sustainable forestry education and the long-term appreciation of the world’s forests.
Interested in supporting this species? Visit our Adopt a Species and Conservation Partners pages to learn more.
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:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
Share This Wood Species
Stay Connected
Follow the latest species additions, educational resources, videos, conservation initiatives, and major project milestones through our Site Updates archive.
The Site Updates archive provides a permanent record of new content, library growth, and future developments across Exotic Woods of the World.