Andiroba
Scientific name: Carapa guianensis
Overview
Andiroba is a medium-density South American hardwood native to tropical regions including the Amazon basin. It is valued for its balanced strength, workability, and natural resistance to insects and decay.
In addition to its use as lumber, the tree is also well known for producing Andiroba oil, which has traditional applications in insect repellents and medicinal uses.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Andiroba (Crabwood)
- Scientific Name: Carapa guianensis
- Region: South American Hardwoods (Amazon Basin)
- Tree Size: 100–130 ft tall, 3–6 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 38 lbs/ft³ (610 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 960 lbf
- Color: Light reddish brown to medium brown
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
Andiroba is identified by its uniform reddish-brown color and relatively straight grain, giving it a clean and consistent appearance.
Key identification traits include:
- Light to medium reddish-brown heartwood
- Straight to slightly interlocked grain
- Medium texture
- Uniform appearance with subtle variation
Working Properties
Andiroba is generally easy to work and performs well in a variety 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
Andiroba is commonly used in applications where moderate strength and ease of workability are desired.
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Interior joinery
- Plywood and veneer
- General construction
Sustainability & Notes
Andiroba is not listed under CITES. It is widely harvested in the Amazon region, and responsible sourcing is recommended due to environmental considerations.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Cedro – Similar in weight and workability with a lighter color.
Imbuia – More decorative with richer tones and figure.
Tornillo – Comparable density and general-use applications.
Related Guides
Wood Identification
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Machining Dense Tropical Hardwoods
Important for working with interlocked grain.
Finishing Oils vs Polyurethane on Exotic Species
Enhances contrast and natural color.
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
Andiroba is a useful addition to collections as a representative of medium-density Amazon hardwoods. Its consistent grain and balanced properties make it a good comparison species alongside Cedro and Tornillo.
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.
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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:
• Diablo Fine Finish Saw Blade with 60 Hi-ATB Teeth for ultra-smooth and precise woodworking cuts
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• Mirka Abranet Sanding Mesh Discs Assorted Grit Pack for dust-free sanding and fine surface finishing
https://amzn.to/4dGY5LM
• Tried & True Danish Oil Finish for enhancing wood grain and protecting woodworking projects with a natural finish
https://amzn.to/4tVNF0R
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