Diesel Tree
Scientific name: Copaifera langsdorffii
Overview
Diesel Tree is a remarkable tropical hardwood native to South America, primarily Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and northern Argentina. The species is famous for producing a natural oleoresin that can be refined into a diesel-like fuel, giving rise to its common name. Beyond its unique resin, Diesel Tree yields a durable, moderately heavy hardwood valued for furniture, cabinetry, flooring, heavy construction, agricultural equipment, and general woodworking. Its unusual combination of timber value, renewable resin production, and scientific interest makes it one of the most fascinating hardwood species found in South America.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Diesel Tree
- Scientific Name: Copaifera langsdorffii
- Region: South American Hardwoods (Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay & Northern Argentina)
- Tree Size: 80–130 ft (24–40 m) tall, 2–5 ft (0.6–1.5 m) trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: Approximately 49 lbs/ft³ (785 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: Approximately 1,700 lbf
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
Diesel Tree develops a heartwood ranging from golden brown to medium reddish brown that gradually darkens with age. The sapwood is pale yellow to cream and is distinctly separated from the heartwood. The grain is generally straight but may occasionally display slight interlocking, producing subtle ribbon figure on quarter-sawn lumber. The wood possesses a medium texture, moderate natural luster, and may exhibit a pleasant aromatic scent due to the natural oleoresin contained within the tree.
Key identification traits include:
- Golden brown to reddish-brown heartwood
- Pale yellow to cream sapwood
- Straight to slightly interlocked grain
- Medium texture
- Moderate natural luster
- Natural aromatic oleoresin when freshly cut
Working Properties
Diesel Tree machines well with both hand and power tools despite its moderate density. Straight-grained stock cuts cleanly, while areas of interlocked grain may require lighter passes during planing. The wood glues, turns, sands, and finishes well, making it suitable for both structural and decorative woodworking projects.
- Machines well with sharp tools
- Turns well
- Glues reliably
- Sands to a smooth finish
- Accepts oils and clear finishes well
- Minor tear-out may occur in interlocked grain
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. Some users may also experience mild sensitivity to the natural oleoresin present in freshly cut wood. Appropriate dust collection and respiratory protection are recommended during machining.
Common Uses
Thanks to its durability, dependable strength, good dimensional stability, and excellent working characteristics, Diesel Tree is used for numerous woodworking applications, including:
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Flooring
- Interior millwork
- Heavy construction
- Agricultural equipment
- Boatbuilding
- Architectural joinery
- Woodturning
- General woodworking
Sustainability & Notes
Diesel Tree is widely distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions of South America. In addition to producing valuable timber, mature trees can be tapped for copaiba oleoresin without being harvested, providing a renewable forest product used in traditional medicine, cosmetics, industrial products, and biofuel research. Responsible forest management allows both timber production and sustainable resin harvesting while supporting long-term forest conservation.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Copaiba Balsam – A closely related species that also produces valuable copaiba oleoresin and shares many woodworking characteristics.
Jatobá – Another durable South American hardwood offering greater hardness and density for heavy-duty applications.
Cumaru – A significantly harder tropical hardwood frequently selected for exterior decking and commercial flooring.
Related Guides
Understanding CITES & Protected Species – Learn how international trade regulations affect tropical hardwoods and sustainable forestry.
Machining Dense Tropical Hardwoods – Discover techniques for achieving clean cuts and reducing tear-out when working with tropical hardwoods.
Best Woods for Furniture Making – Explore hardwoods commonly selected for quality furniture, cabinetry, and architectural woodworking.
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
Diesel Tree is one of the most fascinating collector species in the world because it represents a rare combination of valuable hardwood and naturally occurring renewable fuel source. Its attractive wood, scientific significance, and ability to produce large quantities of copaiba oleoresin make it an exceptional addition to any South American hardwood collection. A documented sample tells a story that extends beyond woodworking into forestry, renewable resources, and botanical history.
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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.
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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.
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