Nargusta
Scientific name: Terminalia amazonia
Overview
Nargusta is a durable Central American hardwood found from southern Mexico through Panama. It is often compared to other Terminalia species and is valued for its strength, stability, and resistance to decay, making it suitable for both structural and decorative applications.
Though not as widely known as some tropical hardwoods, Nargusta is an important regional species used in construction, flooring, and furniture. Its balanced combination of durability and workability makes it a practical alternative to more commercially dominant hardwoods.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Nargusta
- Scientific Name: Terminalia amazonia
- Region: Central American Hardwoods (Mexico to Panama)
- Tree Size: 80–130 ft tall, 3–5 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: ~45–55 lbs/ft³ (720–880 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: ~1,600–2,100 lbf
- Color: Light golden brown to medium brown, sometimes with olive tones
- Grain: Straight to interlocked
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
Nargusta has a fairly uniform appearance but can show subtle variation depending on growth conditions.
Key identification traits include:
- Golden to medium brown coloration with occasional olive hues
- Generally uniform appearance with low contrast
- Straight to mildly interlocked grain
- Moderate natural luster
- Medium to slightly coarse texture
Working Properties
Nargusta offers good workability for a hardwood in its density class, though interlocked grain can occasionally present challenges.
- Machines well with standard tools
- Interlocked grain may cause tearout when planing
- Sands to a smooth finish with moderate effort
- Glues and finishes reliably
- Good dimensional stability in service
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause mild irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Use appropriate dust extraction and protective equipment when working.
Common Uses
Nargusta is used in both structural and decorative applications where durability and strength are required.
- Flooring
- Furniture
- General construction
- Interior joinery
- Exterior applications (moderate exposure)
Sustainability & Notes
Nargusta is harvested throughout Central America and is not currently as heavily regulated as some tropical hardwoods. However, sustainable forestry practices vary by region, and responsible sourcing is recommended.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
White Oak – Similar strength and workability, though Nargusta is more tropical in appearance
Teak – More stable and oily, with superior weather resistance
Limba – Lighter and softer with a more uniform pale appearance
Related Guides
Plantation vs Wild-Harvested Hardwood
Differences in sourcing, sustainability, and wood characteristics.
FSC Certification Explained
What FSC certification means and how it relates to responsible forestry.
Why Some Species Become Restricted
Explains environmental and economic factors that lead to trade limitations.
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
Nargusta is a strong representative of Central American Terminalia species and serves as a useful comparison point for collectors studying medium-to-heavy tropical hardwoods.
Its relatively understated appearance contrasts with more dramatic species like rosewoods or ziricote, making it valuable for understanding how grain structure and density influence performance without relying on bold figure.
Due to moderate availability, it is accessible enough for sampling while still being regionally distinct, making it a solid addition to a well-rounded hardwood 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.
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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 XtractNet Hook and Loop Sanding Disc Multi-Pack for virtually dust-free sanding and fine surface finishing
https://amzn.to/4nPgt9Z
• 3M P100 Respirator Cartridge and Filter Set for protection against dust, organic vapors, and airborne particles during woodworking and finishing
https://amzn.to/4f0z7t1
• FONAROLL Microfiber Wax Applicator Pads for applying waxes, oils, and fine wood finishes evenly across surfaces
https://amzn.to/4a9ANgn
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