African Rosewood
Scientific name: Guibourtia coleosperma
Overview
African Rosewood is a dense, durable African hardwood known for its deep reddish-brown to purplish coloration and fine, often subtly figured grain. Native primarily to Southern and Central Africa, it is valued for applications where strength, wear resistance, and visual richness are required.
Despite its common name, African Rosewood is distinct from true Dalbergia rosewoods. However, its appearance and performance have made it a respected substitute in furniture, flooring, and decorative woodworking.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: African Rosewood
- Scientific Name: Guibourtia coleosperma
- Region: African Hardwoods (Southern Africa)
- Tree Size: 50–100 ft tall, 2–3 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 53 lbs/ft³ (850 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,960 lbf
- Color: Reddish brown to dark brown, sometimes with darker streaks
- Grain: Typically straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
African Rosewood is most easily identified by its dark, rich coloration, fine texture, and substantial weight. Freshly cut material may appear lighter but darkens noticeably with age and exposure.
It can be visually confused with Bubinga or other Guibourtia species, though African Rosewood typically shows a more uniform appearance.
Key identification traits include:
- Deep reddish-brown to purplish heartwood
- Fine, uniform texture
- Subtle figuring in some boards
- High density and noticeable weight
Working Properties
African Rosewood is considered moderately difficult to work due to its density and hardness.
- Machines cleanly with sharp tools
- Interlocked grain may cause tear-out
- Glues and finishes reliably
- Sands to a smooth, refined surface
- Excellent wear resistance
Its durability makes it especially suitable for high-traffic or load-bearing applications.
Safety Note
Dust from African Rosewood may cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation in some individuals. Proper dust extraction and personal protective equipment are recommended during machining and sanding.
Common Uses
African Rosewood is commonly used in applications that demand strength and visual depth, including:
- Flooring and stair components
- Furniture and cabinetry
- Architectural millwork
- Turned objects
- Decorative accents
Its hardness and color stability make it particularly popular for flooring.
Sustainability & Notes
African Rosewood is not currently listed under CITES restrictions, but harvesting pressure exists in some regions. Availability may vary depending on origin and regulation.
Responsible sourcing from reputable suppliers is strongly encouraged to support sustainable forest management.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Bubinga – A closely related species in the Guibourtia genus that is typically heavier and often displays more dramatic figuring.
African Padauk – A brighter orange-red hardwood that is slightly less dense but commonly used for similar decorative woodworking applications.
Wenge – A much darker and coarser-textured African hardwood known for its bold striping and higher hardness.
Related Guides
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Studying grain structure and color helps distinguish similar African hardwood species.
Working With Dense Exotic Hardwoods
Many tropical hardwoods require sharp tooling and careful machining due to their density.
How to Store Exotic Wood Samples
Collectors often preserve small wood samples for study, identification, and long-term comparison.
Bubinga vs. Rosewood
Explore Bubinga vs. Rosewood to compare these premium hardwoods in color, figure, density, workability, and use in furniture and musical instruments.
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
African Rosewood is appreciated by collectors for its color depth, durability, and consistency. Well-seasoned boards often develop a richer, darker tone over time, enhancing their visual appeal.
Collectors typically favor material with uniform coloration and minimal grain disruption for flooring and large surfaces, while boards showing subtle figure or tonal variation are often reserved for decorative or accent use. Due to its density, properly dried stock is especially valued to minimize movement and checking.
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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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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:
HORUSDY 8-Pack Bar Clamps for Woodworking – https://amzn.to/4cx7iHb
Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue – https://amzn.to/4sS0mZO
CRAFT RESIN Crystal Clear Epoxy Resin Kit – https://amzn.to/4w7oj2v
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