Honduran Rosewood
Scientific Name: Dalbergia stevensonii
Overview
Honduran Rosewood is a dense and historically significant tropical hardwood native to Belize and surrounding areas of Central America. It is best known for its rich reddish-brown coloration, fine texture, and exceptional tonal qualities.
This species has long been prized for musical instruments, particularly marimbas and high-end acoustic applications. Its stability, density, and smooth working properties make it one of the most respected Dalbergia species in Central America.
Honduran Rosewood represents the refined, tonal hardwood category within the region.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Honduran Rosewood
- Scientific Name: Dalbergia stevensonii
- Region: Central American Hardwoods (Belize and surrounding Central American/Caribbean regions)
- Tree Size: 60–100 ft tall, 2–3 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 64 lbs/ft³ (1,025 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 2,200 lbf
- Color: Reddish brown to dark purplish brown with darker streaks
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Fine to medium
Identification Characteristics
Honduran Rosewood is identified by its rich reddish-brown heartwood, often accented by darker streaking. The color deepens with age and exposure.
The grain is typically straight, though slight interlocking can occur. Texture is fine and even, contributing to a smooth finished surface.
Compared to Cocobolo, Honduran Rosewood is generally more uniform in tone and less dramatically figured.
Key identification traits include:
- Reddish-brown base color
- Fine uniform texture
- Subtle dark streaking
- Heavy weight relative to size
- Smooth surface when machined
Working Properties
Honduran Rosewood machines well relative to its density.
- Moderate blunting effect on tools
- Pre-drilling recommended
- Turns extremely well
- Carves cleanly
- Gluing is generally reliable
- Polishes to a high natural luster
It is especially valued in applications requiring dimensional stability and tonal clarity.
Safety Note
Dust may cause irritation or allergic reactions. Proper respiratory protection is recommended when machining.
Common Uses
Honduran Rosewood has historically been used in:
- Marimba bars
- Musical instrument components
- Turned specialty items
- Knife handles
- Fine furniture accents
- Decorative inlays
Its tonal properties have made it particularly important in percussion instrument construction.
Sustainability & Notes
Dalbergia stevensonii is listed under CITES Appendix II. International trade is regulated. Responsible sourcing is critical.
Availability can be limited due to conservation controls and export restrictions.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Cocobolo – A dense Central American rosewood species known for its vibrant color and natural oils, commonly used for musical instruments and decorative woodworking.
Brazilian Rosewood – One of the most famous Dalbergia species, historically prized for fine furniture and musical instruments due to its beauty and tonal qualities.
Granadillo – A hard tropical hardwood often used in instrument making and specialty woodworking because of its density and attractive reddish-brown color.
Related Guides
Hardwood vs Softwood
Understand the fundamental differences between hardwood and softwood species, including structure, growth, and common uses.
Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale Guide)
Understanding hardness ratings helps explain the durability and working characteristics of dense hardwood species.
Understanding CITES & Protected Species
Many rosewood species are regulated due to conservation concerns and international trade restrictions.
Bubinga vs. Rosewood
Explore Bubinga vs. Rosewood to compare these premium hardwoods in color, figure, density, workability, and use in furniture and musical instruments.
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
Honduran Rosewood is highly desirable among wood collectors and instrument builders. Marimba-grade stock is especially sought after.
Collectors typically value straight-grained pieces with consistent color and minimal defects.
Video Overview
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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
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.
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