Panama Rosewood
Scientific Name: Dalbergia tucurensis
Overview
Panama Rosewood is a dense and refined Dalbergia species native to Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and parts of southern Mexico. Though less commercially common than Cocobolo, it shares the same rosewood lineage and is valued for its fine texture, attractive coloration, and excellent finishing qualities.
This species represents the rosewood category within Central America — dense, stable, and visually elegant. Its warm brown tones and subtle grain patterns make it suitable for fine woodworking and instrument applications.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Panama Rosewood
- Scientific Name: Dalbergia tucurensis
- Region: Central American Hardwoods (Central America – Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras)
- Tree Size: 60–100 ft tall, 2–3 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 53 lbs/ft³ (850 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 2,200 lbf
- Color: Golden brown to reddish brown with darker streaks
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Fine to medium
Identification Characteristics
Panama Rosewood is identified by its warm brown to reddish-brown heartwood, often with subtle darker streaking. The wood has a fine, even texture and moderate natural luster typical of Dalbergia species.
The grain is usually straight but may display slight interlocking. Compared to Cocobolo, it is typically less dramatically figured but more uniform in appearance.
Key identification traits include:
- Warm brown coloration with occasional darker streaks
- Fine, even texture
- Moderate natural luster
- High weight for size
- Subtle rosewood aroma when freshly cut
Working Properties
Panama Rosewood machines well with sharp tooling but can be hard on edges due to density.
- Turns very well
- Takes a high polish
- Glues reliably with proper surface prep
- Finishes exceptionally well
- Pre-drilling recommended for fasteners
Like many Dalbergia species, natural oils may slightly affect adhesion if surfaces are not cleaned prior to glue-up.
Safety Note
Dalbergia species may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Proper dust collection and respiratory protection are recommended.
Common Uses
Panama Rosewood is used in:
- Fine furniture
- Cabinetry
- Musical instruments
- Turned items
- Decorative veneer
- Small specialty items
Its stability and fine texture make it well suited for detailed work.
Sustainability & Notes
Dalbergia tucurensis falls under CITES regulations due to its classification within the Dalbergia genus. Responsible sourcing and documentation are important when purchasing or trading this wood.
Availability can vary depending on export regulations and regional harvest controls.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Honduran Rosewood – A closely related Central American rosewood species valued for its density, tonal qualities, and use in musical instruments.
Cocobolo – A dense and oily rosewood known for its vibrant coloration and use in fine woodworking and turning.
Granadillo – A hard tropical hardwood often used in instrument making and specialty woodworking due to its durability and attractive color.
Related Guides
Gluing Exotic Woods: Challenges and Solutions
Learn how to properly prepare and bond dense, oily hardwoods to achieve strong, reliable glue joints in exotic wood projects.
Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale Guide)
Understanding hardness ratings helps explain the durability and working properties of dense hardwood species.
Understanding CITES & Protected Species
Many rosewood species are regulated due to conservation concerns and international trade restrictions.
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
Panama Rosewood represents the true rosewood lineage within a Central American hardwood collection. It appeals to collectors seeking Dalbergia species beyond Cocobolo.
Turning blanks and small boards are most commonly encountered. Pieces with rich reddish tones and subtle striping are especially desirable.
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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:
• 3M XtractNet Hook and Loop Sanding Disc Multi-Pack for virtually dust-free sanding and fine surface finishing
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• 3M P100 Respirator Cartridge and Filter Set for protection against dust, organic vapors, and airborne particles during woodworking and finishing
https://amzn.to/4f0z7t1
• FONAROLL Microfiber Wax Applicator Pads for applying waxes, oils, and fine wood finishes evenly across surfaces
https://amzn.to/4a9ANgn
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