Brazilian Pau Rosa
Scientific name: Aniba rosaeodora
Overview
Brazilian Pau Rosa is one of the world’s most famous aromatic hardwoods, native to the Amazon Rainforest of Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. A member of the Lauraceae family, it is closely related to camphor, cinnamon, and avocado rather than the true rosewoods (Dalbergia spp.). The species is renowned for its naturally fragrant wood, which contains a high concentration of linalool-rich essential oil prized by the perfume and cosmetics industries.
For much of the twentieth century, Brazilian Pau Rosa was heavily harvested to supply the international fragrance market, leading to significant declines in wild populations. Today, conservation efforts focus on sustainable harvesting practices, plantation cultivation, and leaf-based oil extraction to help preserve this remarkable Amazonian species.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Brazilian Pau Rosa
- Scientific Name: Aniba rosaeodora
- Region: South American Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 80–100 ft (25–30 m) tall, 2–3 ft (0.6–0.9 m) trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: Approximately 42 lbs/ft³ (675 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: Approximately 1,390 lbf
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Fine to medium
Identification Characteristics
Brazilian Pau Rosa produces a heartwood that ranges from pale pinkish-brown to light reddish-brown, gradually darkening with age. The sapwood is pale cream to yellow and is clearly distinguished from the heartwood. The grain is usually straight but may occasionally be slightly interlocked. The wood possesses a fine to medium texture, moderate natural luster, and perhaps its most recognizable feature—a sweet floral fragrance released when freshly cut due to its naturally occurring essential oils.
Key identification traits include:
- Pale pinkish-brown to reddish-brown heartwood
- Cream to pale yellow sapwood
- Sweet floral fragrance
- Straight to slightly interlocked grain
- Fine to medium texture
- Moderate natural luster
- High natural linalool content
Working Properties
Brazilian Pau Rosa machines well with both hand and power tools because of its moderate density and uniform texture. The naturally occurring oils may occasionally interfere with gluing, so wiping freshly prepared surfaces with a suitable solvent before assembly is recommended. The wood turns easily, sands smoothly, and accepts clear finishes that enhance both its figure and warm coloration.
- Machines cleanly
- Turns well
- Sands to a smooth finish
- Gluing may require surface preparation
- Finishes exceptionally well
- Produces a pleasant aromatic scent while machining
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. The aromatic oils released during machining may also cause allergic reactions in some people. Adequate dust collection, respiratory protection, and proper shop ventilation are recommended.
Common Uses
Thanks to its pleasant fragrance, attractive appearance, fine texture, and excellent workability, Brazilian Pau Rosa is used for numerous specialty woodworking applications, including:
- Fine furniture
- Cabinetry
- Decorative veneer
- Turned objects
- Carvings
- Luxury boxes
- Musical instruments
- Knife handles
- Specialty crafts
- Essential oil production
Sustainability & Notes
Camphor – Another member of the Lauraceae family valued for its aromatic wood and naturally occurring essential oils.
Brazilian Rosewood – Despite the similar common name, this species belongs to the Dalbergia genus and is prized primarily for its decorative timber rather than its fragrance.
Sassafras – A North American relative within the Lauraceae family known for its fragrant wood and aromatic oils.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Brazilian Pau Rosa is one of the world’s most historically important aromatic hardwoods. Beyond its attractive appearance, it represents a unique connection between forestry, conservation, and the international perfume industry. A documented specimen is highly desirable for educational collections because it illustrates how commercial demand can influence sustainable forestry practices. Collectors should carefully record the source and legality of every specimen due to the species’ protected status.
Related Guides
FSC Certification Explained – Learn how responsible forest certification supports sustainable harvesting and conservation.
Wood Families & Trade Groups – Explore how botanical relationships help classify hardwoods and explain similarities between related species.
Building a Documented Wood Collection – Learn how to properly document rare, protected, and historically significant wood species.
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
Brazilian Pau Rosa is one of the world’s most historically important aromatic hardwoods. Beyond its attractive appearance, it represents a unique connection between forestry, conservation, and the international perfume industry. A documented specimen is highly desirable for educational collections because it illustrates how commercial demand can influence sustainable forestry practices. Collectors should carefully record the source and legality of every specimen due to the species’ protected status.
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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
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As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
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