Granadillo
Scientific Name: Platymiscium ulei
Overview
Granadillo, sometimes marketed as Honduras Rosewood, is a dense and visually striking hardwood native to Central America. Belonging to the Dalbergia genus, it is closely related to true rosewoods and is valued for its rich reddish-brown coloration, fine texture, and excellent acoustic properties.
Granadillo is widely used in musical instruments, fine furniture, and specialty woodworking applications where both beauty and performance are required. Its strength, stability, and polished finish make it a highly desirable Central American species.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Granadillo
- Scientific Name: Platymiscium ulei
- Region: Central American Hardwoods (Central America & Southern Mexico)
- Tree Size: 60–90 ft tall, 1–2 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 55 lbs/ft³ (880 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 2,200 lbf
- Color: Reddish brown to dark chocolate brown, often with darker streaks
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Fine and smooth
Identification Characteristics
Granadillo is most easily identified by its deep reddish-brown heartwood and fine, tight grain. Darker streaks are often visible, giving the wood subtle movement without dramatic contrast. The texture is fine and smooth, allowing it to polish to a high sheen.
It resembles other Dalbergia species but typically presents a more uniform appearance.
Key identification traits include:
- Rich reddish to chocolate-brown coloration
- Fine, even texture
- Subtle dark striping
- High density and weight
- Clearly defined lighter sapwood
Working Properties
Granadillo is considered moderately difficult to work due to its density.
- Machines well with sharp carbide tools
- Turns and shapes cleanly
- Interlocked grain may cause minor tear-out
- Gluing performance is generally reliable
- Polishes exceptionally well
- Excellent dimensional stability once dried
Its hardness and fine grain make it particularly well suited for precision applications.
Safety Note
Dust from Dalbergia species may cause skin or respiratory irritation in some individuals. Proper dust collection and respiratory protection are recommended during machining or sanding.
Common Uses
Granadillo is commonly used in:
- Musical instruments (fingerboards, bridges, bodies)
- Fine furniture
- Turned objects
- Tool handles
- Decorative veneers
Its acoustic properties and density make it especially valued in instrument making.
Sustainability & Notes
As a member of the Dalbergia genus, Granadillo may be subject to international trade regulations under CITES depending on species classification and export origin. Buyers should verify sourcing and ensure compliance with current regulations.
Availability may fluctuate based on regional harvesting controls.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Cocobolo – A dense Central American rosewood species prized for its rich color and natural oils, often used for musical instruments and decorative woodworking.
Honduran Rosewood – Another tropical hardwood valued for its hardness and tonal qualities, commonly used in instrument making and fine woodworking.
Bocote – A decorative hardwood known for its dramatic grain patterns and contrast, frequently used for turning, knife handles, and specialty woodworking.
Related Guides
How to Identify Wood by End Grain Patterns
Learn how to identify wood species by examining pores, rays, and growth rings through the end grain. The most accurate method for wood identification.
Wood Strength
Learn what determines wood strength, including density, stiffness, and resistance to bending and impact.
Understanding CITES & Protected Species
Some rosewood species are regulated due to conservation concerns and international trade restrictions.
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
Granadillo is a strong representative of Central American rosewood-type species. Well-seasoned boards deepen in color and develop a richer brown tone.
Collectors often favor boards with subtle striping and uniform grain for instrument or display pieces. Because of its connection to the Dalbergia genus, it carries elevated interest within exotic hardwood collections.
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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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:
Wood Moisture Meter
Essential for checking wood moisture levels before working or finishing
https://amzn.to/3OxsIL4
Wood Finishing Oil
Enhances natural color and grain while providing protection
https://amzn.to/4ezoNYy
Saw Blades
Designed for clean, precise cuts across a variety of wood species
https://amzn.to/3QT2y64
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