Algarrobo
Scientific name: Prosopis alba
Overview
Algarrobo is a group of dense hardwoods from the Prosopis genus, native to South America. It is known for its strength, durability, and rich brown coloration, often featuring contrasting darker streaks.
Widely used in furniture, flooring, and structural applications, Algarrobo is valued for its toughness and resistance to wear, making it suitable for both interior and exterior use in certain environments.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Algarrobo
- Scientific Name: Prosopis alba
- Region: South American Hardwoods (Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia)
- Tree Size: 30–60 ft tall, 1–3 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 50–60 lbs/ft³ (800–960 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: ~1,700–2,200 lbf
- Color: Medium to dark brown, often with reddish or golden undertones
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
Algarrobo is identified by its rich brown tones and often pronounced contrast between lighter and darker growth areas.
Key identification traits include:
- Medium to dark brown heartwood
- Occasional darker streaking or striping
- Straight to slightly interlocked grain
- Medium texture
- Moderate natural luster
Working Properties
Algarrobo is a dense hardwood that offers good durability but requires proper tooling.
- Moderately difficult to machine due to density
- Can dull cutting tools over time
- Turns and finishes well
- Good strength and wear resistance
- Stable when properly dried
Safety Note
Dust may cause irritation. Use proper dust collection and protection.
Common Uses
Algarrobo is widely used in both structural and decorative applications.
- Flooring
- Furniture
- Beams and structural components
- Cabinetry
- Outdoor furniture
- Turned objects
Sustainability & Notes
Algarrobo species are not typically listed under CITES, but some regional populations may be under pressure due to harvesting.
Responsible sourcing is recommended, particularly in South American markets where demand for durable hardwoods is high.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Mesquite – Closely related (same genus) with similar density but often more dramatic grain.
Jatoba – Typically harder and more reddish in tone.
Curupay – Often darker with more defined grain contrast.
Related Guides
Wood Identification
Helps distinguish similar brown hardwood species.
Drying & Acclimating Exotic Woods
Important for dense hardwood stability.
Wood Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale)
Provides context for performance and durability.
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
Algarrobo is a valuable addition to a collection due to its representation of the Prosopis genus in South America. Its density and rich coloration make it a useful comparison against both lighter and darker tropical hardwoods.
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:
• THORVALD 3-in-1 Carpenter Mechanical Pencil Set for making precise layout marks on wood, lumber, drywall, concrete, and other construction materials
https://amzn.to/43TXSQV
• Gorilla Ultimate Waterproof Wood Glue (18 oz) for creating strong, waterproof bonds in indoor and outdoor woodworking, furniture, and repair projects
https://amzn.to/3R0IRd4
• DEWALT 21-Piece Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set for drilling clean, accurate holes in wood, metal, and plastic with long-lasting pilot point bits
https://amzn.to/4ap1dLl
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.