Masticwood
Scientific name: Sideroxylon foetidissimum.
Overview
Masticwood is a dense and durable Caribbean hardwood native throughout the Greater Antilles and surrounding island regions. It is known for its strength, weight, and resistance to decay. While not widely exported as commercial lumber, it has long been valued regionally for structural and heavy-use applications.
The wood typically displays medium to dark brown coloration with a fine to medium texture and substantial weight.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Masticwood
- Scientific Name: Sideroxylon foetidissimum
- Region: Caribbean & West Indies Hardwoods (Caribbean, Florida, Central America)
- Tree Size: 50–80 ft tall, 1–3 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 60 lbs/ft³ (960 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 2,200 lbf
- Color: Yellowish brown to medium brown, sometimes with darker streaks
- Grain: Interlocked
- Texture: Fine to medium
Identification Characteristics
Masticwood heartwood ranges from medium brown to dark reddish-brown. The grain is typically straight but may show mild interlocking. Texture is fine to medium, and the wood feels notably heavy in hand. Pores are small and evenly distributed.
Key identification traits include:
- Medium to dark brown coloration
- High weight relative to size
- Fine to medium texture
- Straight to mildly interlocked grain
- Durable appearance
Working Properties
Masticwood is dense and moderately difficult to machine.
- Requires sharp tools
- May dull cutting edges
- Sands to a smooth surface
- Accepts finish evenly
- Suitable for heavy-duty applications
Safety Note
Standard hardwood dust precautions recommended.
Common Uses
Masticwood common uses including:
- Structural components
- Tool handles
- Heavy-duty furniture parts
- Turned objects
- Regional construction
Sustainability & Notes
Masticwood is not commonly available in global lumber markets. Most material appears in regional Caribbean contexts or as smaller dimensional stock. Wide boards are uncommon.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Black Olive – Similar density but often coarser in texture.
Sabicu – Comparable weight but more reddish tone.
Roughbark Lignum Vitae – Significantly heavier and oilier.
Related Guides
Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale Guide)
Places Masticwood in the high-density tropical hardwood category.
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Helps differentiate dense brown Caribbean species.
Building a Documented Wood Collection
Important for less-exported regional hardwoods.
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
Masticwood is rarely encountered in large furniture-grade boards. Most specimens appear in smaller dimensional stock. When cataloging, note the high density, fine texture, and consistent brown coloration. Verified Caribbean origin adds documentation value within a regional hardwood archive.
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:
• 3M Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator for protection against dust and airborne particles during sanding and woodworking
https://amzn.to/4wKyJoK
• Klein Tools ET140 Pinless Moisture Meter for non-destructive moisture detection in wood, drywall, and masonry
https://amzn.to/4upDKSd
• Pro Grade 2-Inch Foam Brush Set for applying stains, oils, finishes, and sealers to woodworking projects
https://amzn.to/4drOpWx
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