Guayacán Negro
Scientific name: Libidibia paraguariensis
Overview
Guayacán Negro is an extremely dense and durable South American hardwood native to regions of Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia. It is known for its dark coloration, high strength, and exceptional resistance to wear.
Often compared to some of the hardest woods in the world, Guayacán Negro is used in demanding applications where durability and longevity are critical.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Guayacán Negro
- Scientific Name: Libidibia paraguariensis
- Region: South American Hardwoods (Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia)
- Tree Size: 30–60 ft tall, 1–2 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 70–80 lbs/ft³ (1,120–1,280 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: ~3,000–3,500 lbf
- Color: Dark brown to nearly black, sometimes with lighter streaks
- Grain: Interlocked
- Texture: Fine
Identification Characteristics
Guayacán Negro is easily identified by its density and dark coloration.
Key identification traits include:
- Dark brown to nearly black heartwood
- Occasional lighter streaking
- Interlocked grain
- Fine texture
- Very high weight and density
Working Properties
Due to its extreme density, Guayacán Negro can be difficult to work with but offers exceptional durability.
- Very difficult to machine
- Rapid tool dulling
- Pre-drilling required for fasteners
- Turns well with sharp tools
- Excellent wear resistance
Safety Note
Dust may cause irritation. Use proper respiratory protection when working.
Common Uses
Guayacán Negro is used where strength and wear resistance are critical.
- Tool handles
- Heavy-duty flooring
- Turned objects
- Mechanical components
- Industrial applications
Sustainability & Notes
Not typically listed under CITES, but regional harvesting pressures may exist. Responsible sourcing is recommended.
Its extreme density places it among the heavier and harder South American hardwoods, making it valuable for specialized applications.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Sucupira – A dense tropical hardwood valued for its durability and distinctive appearance,
Jatoba – Another dense Central American hardwood, Jatoba offers high strength but lacks the oily, self-lubricating characteristics.
Curupay – Slightly lighter with more pronounced grain pattern.
Related Guides
Wood Identification
Helps distinguish dense tropical hardwoods.
Machining Dense Tropical Hardwoods
Important for working with extremely hard species.
Wood Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale)
Provides context for extreme hardness.
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
Guayacán Negro is a standout species for collectors due to its extreme density and dark coloration. It serves as an excellent comparison point among the hardest and heaviest woods in South America.
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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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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.
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