Nakedwood
Scientific name: Gymnanthes lucida
Overview
Nakedwood is a dense Caribbean hardwood found in coastal environments. It is known for its durability and resistance to environmental stress, making it suitable for general utility and outdoor-adjacent applications.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Nakedwood
- Scientific Name: Gymnanthes lucida
- Region: Caribbean & West Indies Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 20–40 ft tall, 1–2 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 50 lbs/ft³ (800 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,800 lbf
- Color: Light brown to yellowish brown
- Grain: Interlocked
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
Nakedwood has a fairly uniform appearance with light to medium brown tones. Its interlocked grain contributes to its strength and durability.
Key identification traits include:
- Light to yellowish brown coloration
- Interlocked grain
- Medium texture
- Durable structure
Working Properties
Nakedwood is moderately difficult to work due to its interlocked grain but performs well when handled correctly.
- Moderate machining difficulty
- Tearout possible with interlocked grain
- Glues and finishes well
- Suitable for general applications
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause irritation. Use proper dust collection and respiratory protection.
Common Uses
Nakedwood is used in applications where moderate strength and durability are needed.
- General construction
- Utility woodworking
- Outdoor-adjacent applications
Sustainability & Notes
This species is used regionally and is not widely exported. Responsible sourcing is recommended.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Sabicu – A heavier and more durable hardwood used in structural applications.
Pigeon Plum – A moderate-density hardwood used in regional woodworking.
Whitewood – A lighter hardwood often used in general carpentry.
Related Guides
Moisture Content & Long-Term Stability – Explains how the wood behaves over time.
Preventing Tear-Out in Interlocked Grain – Covers techniques for handling difficult grain patterns.
Drying & Acclimating Exotic Woods – Helps prepare wood for use and reduce movement.
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
Nakedwood adds value as a regional hardwood that represents durability and coastal growing environments within a collection.
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.
Interested in supporting this species? Visit our Adopt a Species and Conservation Partners pages to learn more.
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:
• RUITOOL Japanese Double Edge Ryoba Pull Saw for precise flush cuts, joinery, and detailed woodworking
https://amzn.to/4ukw5Vg
• 800W Compact Wood Router Tool Kit with 15-Piece Router Bit Set for trimming, edge work, and shaping wood surfaces
https://amzn.to/498gKP4
• IRWIN Quick-Grip One-Handed Mini Bar Clamps for holding woodworking pieces securely during assembly and glue-ups
https://amzn.to/4wvTvsl
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