Parica
Scientific name: Schizolobium amazonicum
Overview
Parica is a fast-growing South American hardwood native to the Amazon Basin, particularly Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and neighboring countries. The species has become increasingly important in commercial forestry due to its rapid growth rate, plantation suitability, and versatility in plywood, veneer, millwork, and light construction applications.
Unlike many dense tropical hardwoods, Parica is relatively lightweight and easy to work. Its combination of sustainability, availability, and favorable machining characteristics has made it one of the more important plantation-grown hardwoods in modern South American forestry.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Parica
- Scientific Name: Schizolobium amazonicum
- Region: South American Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 80–130 ft tall, 2–4 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 20 lbs/ft³
- Janka Hardness: 320 lbf
- Color: Pale yellow to creamy white
- Grain: Straight
- Texture: Coarse to medium
Identification Characteristics
Parica is recognized by its pale coloration, light weight, and relatively uniform appearance. The wood often resembles lightweight utility hardwoods and is commonly used where ease of machining and low weight are desired.
Key identification traits include:
- Pale yellow to creamy white heartwood
- Lightweight construction
- Straight grain
- Coarse to medium texture
- Uniform appearance
- Fast-growing plantation species
Working Properties
Parica is easy to machine and is well suited for commercial manufacturing and woodworking applications. Its light weight and workability make it particularly attractive for veneer and plywood production.
- Machines easily
- Sands quickly and smoothly
- Glues well
- Accepts paints and finishes readily
- Good dimensional stability
- Easy to cut and shape
Safety Note
No significant toxicity concerns have been widely reported for Parica. Standard dust collection and respiratory protection are recommended when machining or sanding any wood species.
Common Uses
Parica is widely used in both commercial and woodworking applications.
- Plywood
- Veneer
- Interior millwork
- Furniture components
- Cabinetry
- Doors
- Moldings
- Lightweight construction
- Packaging
- General woodworking
Sustainability & Notes
Parica is one of the most important plantation-grown hardwoods in Brazil and has gained popularity because of its rapid growth and sustainable production potential. Commercial plantations can produce harvestable timber in a relatively short period compared to many traditional tropical hardwoods.
Its role in plantation forestry has helped reduce pressure on some slower-growing native hardwood species while providing a dependable source of timber for domestic and export markets.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Marupa – Another lightweight South American hardwood valued for furniture, millwork, and general woodworking applications.
Balsa – Significantly lighter and softer, but similarly valued where low weight is important.
Timbo – A larger South American species that shares good workability but offers greater strength and density.
Related Guides
Plantation vs Wild-Harvested Hardwood – Learn how plantation-grown species such as Parica contribute to sustainable timber production and modern forestry practices.
Hardwood vs Softwood: Key Differences Explained – Discover why species like Parica are classified as hardwoods despite being lighter and softer than many people expect.
Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale Guide) – Explore how density and hardness affect wood performance and why Parica ranks among the lighter tropical 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
Parica is an interesting collector species because it represents the growing importance of plantation forestry in South America. While it lacks the dramatic appearance of many exotic hardwoods, its extremely fast growth, commercial significance, and role in sustainable forestry make it a valuable addition to a comprehensive wood collection. It also serves as an excellent comparison specimen alongside lightweight species such as Balsa and Marupa.
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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.
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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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:
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