Louro Amarelo
Scientific name: Aniba canelilla
Overview
Louro Amarelo, Aniba canelilla, is an exceptionally heavy Amazonian laurel-family wood, better known in many references as preciosa or casca-preciosa. Yellow-brown sapwood contrasts with darker brown heartwood, while the wood and bark carry a strong cinnamon-like aroma. High density, strength, and scent distinguish it from lighter timbers sold under other “louro” names. It is used for special construction, fine joinery, cabinetmaking, turning, and cooperage.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Louro Amarelo
- Scientific Name: Aniba canelilla
- Region: South America Woods
- Tree Size: Up to about 98 ft (30 m) tall; trunk commonly over 20 in (50 cm) in diameter
- Average Dried Weight: Approximately 67–76 lb/ft³ (1,070–1,220 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: Approximately 3,370 lbf (1,528 kgf)
- Color: Dark yellow-brown to brown
- Grain: Irregular to interlocked
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
The yellowish sapwood is distinct from darker yellowish-brown or deep brown heartwood. Grain may be straight but is often irregular or crossed, with medium texture and moderate luster. Vessel lines and rays can produce subtle figure. Its most memorable characteristic is the penetrating cinnamon-like odor and taste associated with aromatic compounds in the wood and bark.
Key identification traits include:
- Very heavy, hard wood
- Distinct yellow-brown sapwood and darker heartwood
- Strong cinnamon-like aroma
- Medium texture and moderate luster
- Straight to irregular grain
Working Properties
Extreme density makes sawing difficult and increases machining effort. Irregular grain can produce poor planing results, so sharp carbide tooling, light cuts, and careful feed direction are advisable. Boring and sanding are generally fair, and the dense surface takes a good finish. Drying is moderately difficult and may cause warp or light checking without careful stacking and mild schedules.
- Difficult to saw because of high density
- Irregular grain can reduce planed surface quality
- Use sharp cutters and light passes
- Bores, sands, and finishes reasonably well
- Season carefully to limit warp and checking
Safety Note
This species contains potent aromatic compounds. Wood dust and vapors may irritate or sensitize exposed workers. Use strong dust extraction, eye protection, gloves when appropriate, and a properly fitted respirator.
Common Uses
Its weight, aroma, and special working character favor selective uses, including:
- Fine joinery and cabinetmaking
- Specialty construction
- Furniture and decorative work
- Turning
- Cooperage
- Aromatic extracts and perfumes
Sustainability & Notes
Aniba canelilla is accepted by Plants of the World Online and assessed as Least Concern by IUCN. It is not the CITES-listed rosewood Aniba rosaeodora. Exact identification, legal origin, and traceable forest management remain important.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Louro Vermelho – A redder, moderately heavy Lauraceae timber from tropical South America.
Imbuia-de-Cheiro – A much lighter and paler laurel-family wood with overlapping regional names.
Imbuia – A darker decorative Ocotea timber known for figured furniture and veneer stock.
Related Guides
Wood Families & Trade Groups – Understand botanical relationships and the limits of common trade names.
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern – Review practical visual features used in preliminary identification.
Identifying Unknown Wood Samples – Learn why provenance and anatomical evidence matter when similar woods share a name.
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
Louro Amarelo is memorable to collectors for exceptional weight and cinnamon-like aroma. A verified sample illustrates the chemical and physical diversity of Amazonian Lauraceae; retain the accepted name Aniba canelilla with the specimen.
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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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