Machiche
Scientific Name: Lonchocarpus ferrugineus
Overview
Machiche is a dense and durable Central American hardwood known for its rich brown coloration and structural strength. Native primarily to Guatemala, Belize, and southern Mexico, it has traditionally been used in heavy construction and exterior applications.
In recent years, Machiche has gained recognition in flooring, stair components, and furniture for its durability and refined appearance. Though sometimes marketed as “Guatemalan Rosewood,” it is not a true rosewood species.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Machiche
- Scientific Name: Lonchocarpus castilloi
- Region: Central American Hardwoods (Central America – Mexico, Belize & Guatemala)
- Tree Size: 80–120 ft tall, 2–4 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 63 lbs/ft³ (1,010 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 2,820 lbf
- Color: Reddish brown to dark brown
- Grain: Interlocked
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
Machiche is most easily identified by its medium to dark brown heartwood that may display subtle darker streaking. The color deepens noticeably with age and finishing.
The grain is generally straight but can show mild interlocking. Texture is medium with moderate natural luster. Growth rings are typically subtle but visible in some boards.
Key identification traits include:
- Medium to dark brown base tone
- Occasional darker striping
- Moderate natural luster
- High weight relative to appearance
- Clearly defined lighter sapwood
Working Properties
Machiche is considered moderately difficult to work due to its density.
- Machines cleanly with sharp tooling
- Pre-drilling recommended for fasteners
- Sands smoothly
- Gluing performance is reliable
- Finishes well, especially with oil-based products
Its strength and density make it well suited for heavy-duty applications.
Safety Note
Dust may cause mild irritation in some individuals. Standard dust collection and respiratory protection are recommended during machining and sanding.
Common Uses
Machiche is widely used in:
- Flooring
- Stair treads
- Decking
- Heavy furniture
- Structural components
Its durability makes it particularly well suited for high-traffic or load-bearing applications.
Sustainability & Notes
Machiche 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 based on regional forestry regulations.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Ipe – A very dense tropical hardwood widely used for decking and outdoor construction due to its exceptional strength and durability.
Cumaru – Another extremely hard South American hardwood commonly used for exterior decking and heavy-duty flooring applications.
Jatoba – A durable hardwood often used in flooring and furniture, typically lighter in color and slightly easier to machine than Machiche.
Related Guides
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Studying grain texture and color variation helps distinguish dense tropical hardwoods used in flooring and structural applications.
Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale Guide)
Understanding hardness ratings helps explain the durability and wear resistance of hardwood species.
Machining Dense Tropical Hardwoods
Dense tropical hardwoods require sharp tools and careful machining to achieve clean cuts and smooth finishes.
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.
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
Machiche represents the heavy-duty structural category within a Central American hardwood collection. Well-seasoned boards develop deeper brown tones and richer luster over time.
Collectors often select boards with straight grain and uniform coloration to showcase its strength-focused character.
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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:
• Woodworking: The Complete Step-by-Step Manual for learning woodworking techniques, joinery, finishing, and step-by-step projects
https://amzn.to/4v1EYSZ
• Woodworking Apron for Men with 9 Tool Pockets for keeping tools organized and protecting clothing during woodworking, carving, turning, and shop work
https://amzn.to/43SZ9rt
• XFasten Double-Sided Woodworking Tape (3-Pack) for securing templates, workpieces, and patterns during routing, CNC work, edge banding, and other woodworking tasks
https://amzn.to/4xK5yTj
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