Jobillo
Scientific name: Astronium graveolens
Overview
Jobillo is a dense, durable tropical hardwood native to Central America, ranging from southern Mexico through Panama. It belongs to the same genus as Gonçalo Alves (Astronium spp.), sharing similar strength, durability, and visual characteristics.
This species is valued for its hardness, resistance to wear, and attractive grain patterns, making it suitable for both structural and decorative applications. While not as widely exported as some Central and South American hardwoods, Jobillo remains an important regional species and a strong comparative addition within the Astronium genus.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Jobillo
- Scientific Name: Astronium graveolens
- Region: Central American Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 60–100 ft tall, 2–4 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: ~60–70 lbs/ft³ (960–1,120 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: ~2,200–2,700 lbf (estimated)
- Color: Yellowish-brown to reddish-brown, often darkening with age
- Grain: Interlocked to irregular
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
Jobillo has a bold, dense appearance similar to Gonçalo Alves, though typically with slightly less dramatic striping.
Key identification traits include:
- Yellow-brown to reddish-brown heartwood that darkens over time
- Interlocked grain that may produce subtle ribbon or stripe figure
- Moderate to high natural luster
- Medium to coarse texture
- Heavy, dense feel indicative of high durability
Working Properties
Jobillo is a very hard and dense wood, requiring careful handling during machining but offering excellent performance in finished applications.
- Difficult to machine due to density
- Interlocked grain may cause tear-out during planing
- Strong blunting effect on cutting tools
- Pre-drilling recommended for fasteners
- Excellent durability and resistance to wear
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Proper dust extraction and protective equipment are recommended when working with this species.
Common Uses
Jobillo is used in applications requiring strength, durability, and resistance to heavy wear.
- Flooring
- Heavy construction
- Furniture
- Tool handles
- Exterior applications
- Decorative woodwork
Sustainability & Notes
Astronium graveolens is native to a wide range of Central American forests. While not as heavily regulated as some tropical hardwoods, localized harvesting pressures may exist depending on region.
As with other dense tropical hardwoods, responsible sourcing is recommended to ensure sustainable use.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Goncalo Alves – Closely related species with similar density and often more pronounced striping.
Cumaru – Typically harder and more uniform, with less interlocked grain.
Granadillo – Shares similar coloration but generally finer textured and easier to work.
Related Guides
Wood Identification
Helps distinguish dense tropical hardwoods like Jobillo from similar species.
Machining Dense Tropical Hardwoods
Important guidance when working with high-density woods.
Wood Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale)
Provides context for Jobillo’s hardness and durability.
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
Jobillo is an excellent species for collectors focused on dense tropical hardwoods and genus-level comparisons. As part of the Astronium group, it provides a valuable reference point alongside Gonçalo Alves, highlighting how regional variation influences grain figure and coloration.
Its relative scarcity in international markets makes it less commonly encountered, adding to its appeal in a well-rounded hardwood collection. The combination of density, durability, and subtle figure gives Jobillo a strong presence in both structural and comparative 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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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.
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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:
• CMT Orange Tools 8-Inch Dado Saw Blade Set for creating clean grooves, dados, and joinery cuts in woodworking projects
https://amzn.to/4wLVIzR
• Howard Feed-N-Wax Wood Polish and Conditioner for restoring and protecting finished wood surfaces
https://amzn.to/3PDy0VS
• General Tools MMD4E Digital Moisture Meter for checking moisture content in wood and detecting potential water damage
https://amzn.to/4wMsEbz
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