Cabreuva
Scientific name: Myrocarpus frondosus
Overview
Cabreuva is a dense and aromatic South American hardwood native primarily to Brazil and surrounding regions. It is valued for its rich reddish-brown color, durability, and distinctive scent, which is often compared to vanilla or spice.
The wood is commonly used in fine woodworking, furniture, and specialty applications where both appearance and durability are important.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Cabreuva
- Scientific Name: Myrocarpus frondosus
- Region: South American Hardwoods (Brazil)
- Tree Size: 60–100 ft tall, 2–3 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 55 lbs/ft³ (880 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 2,410 lbf
- Color: Reddish brown to dark brown
- Grain: Interlocked
- Texture: Fine to medium
Identification Characteristics
Cabreuva is identified by its reddish-brown coloration and characteristic aromatic scent when worked or freshly cut.
Key identification traits include:
- Reddish-brown heartwood
- Distinct aromatic scent
- Interlocked grain
- Fine to medium texture
Working Properties
Cabreuva can be moderately difficult to work due to its density and grain.
- Moderate machining difficulty
- Interlocked grain may cause tear-out
- Turns and finishes well
- Gluing is generally good
- Produces a smooth, polished surface
Safety Note
Dust may cause irritation. Some individuals may be sensitive to its aromatic compounds, so protective equipment is recommended.
Common Uses
Cabreuva is commonly used where durability and appearance are both important.
- Fine furniture
- Cabinetry
- Turned objects
- Decorative veneers
- Specialty woodworking
Sustainability & Notes
Cabreuva is not currently listed under CITES, but availability can vary depending on region. Responsible sourcing is recommended.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Imbuia – Similar rich coloration and use in fine furniture.
Jatoba – Comparable hardness with a more uniform appearance.
Sucupira – Similar density and durability with darker tones.
Related Guides
Machining Dense Tropical Hardwoods
Useful when working with harder species.
Finishing Oils vs Polyurethane on Exotic Species
Enhances natural color and grain.
Wood Identification
Helps distinguish similar reddish-brown hardwoods.
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
Cabreuva is valued by collectors for its rich color and distinctive scent. Well-figured pieces with consistent coloration and minimal defects are especially desirable for display and fine woodworking applications.
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:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
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.