Hormigo
Scientific Name: Platymiscium dimorphandrum
Overview
Hormigo is a culturally significant Central American hardwood best known for its traditional use in marimba construction. Native to Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, it is valued for its tonal qualities, stability, and attractive reddish-brown coloration.
Although sometimes informally referred to as a type of rosewood, Hormigo is not part of the Dalbergia genus. It offers a balance of strength, workability, and acoustic performance, making it highly regarded in instrument making and specialty woodworking.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Hormigo
- Scientific Name: Platymiscium dimorphandrum
- Region: Central American Hardwoods (Central America)
- Tree Size: 60–100 ft tall, 2–3 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 49 lbs/ft³ (785 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,820 lbf
- Color: Reddish brown to dark brown with darker streaks
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Medium and smooth
Identification Characteristics
Hormigo is most easily identified by its warm brown to reddish-brown heartwood and relatively straight grain. The texture is fine to medium, and the wood often displays subtle darker streaking that adds depth without dramatic contrast.
Key identification traits include:
- Yellowish to reddish-brown coloration
- Straight grain pattern
- Fine to medium texture
- Moderate natural luster
- Distinct lighter sapwood
Working Properties
Hormigo is considered moderately easy to work relative to many tropical hardwoods.
- Machines cleanly with sharp tooling
- Turns and shapes well
- Gluing performance is reliable
- Sands and finishes evenly
- Good dimensional stability when properly dried
Its acoustic properties and consistency make it especially suited for precision applications.
Safety Note
Dust may cause mild respiratory or skin irritation in some individuals. Proper dust collection and respiratory protection are recommended when machining or sanding.
Common Uses
Hormigo is widely used in:
- Marimba bars
- Percussion instruments
- Fine furniture
- Cabinetry
- Decorative woodworking
Its tonal properties have made it historically important in Central American instrument craftsmanship.
Sustainability & Notes
Hormigo is not currently listed under CITES. As with all tropical hardwoods, responsible sourcing and supplier verification are recommended to ensure sustainable harvesting practices.
Availability may vary depending on regional forestry management policies.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Cristobal – A closely related species in the Platymiscium genus with similar color and density, commonly used in fine woodworking and instrument making.
Granadillo – A dense tropical hardwood valued for its strength and attractive reddish-brown color, often used in musical instruments and specialty woodworking.
Cocobolo – A highly decorative rosewood species known for its vibrant color and natural oils, frequently used in instrument making and high-end woodworking.
Related Guides
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Studying grain contrast and color variation helps distinguish dense tropical hardwoods used in fine woodworking and musical instruments.
Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale Guide)
Understanding hardness ratings helps explain the durability and working properties of hardwood species.
Understanding CITES & Protected Species
Some tropical hardwoods are protected or 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
Hormigo carries strong cultural and historical significance, particularly in Guatemala where it has long been associated with traditional marimba construction.
Collectors may favor boards with uniform coloration and straight grain, especially when representing instrument-grade Central American hardwoods within a reference collection.
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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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