Pashaco
Scientific name: Parkia multijuga
Overview
Pashaco is a large tropical hardwood native to the Amazon Basin, where it grows throughout Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, and surrounding regions of northern South America. A member of the Fabaceae family, Parkia multijuga belongs to a genus best known for its towering rainforest trees and distinctive spherical flower heads. While several Parkia species produce valuable timber, Pashaco is among the best known for its lightweight yet durable wood and its importance in both local construction and commercial woodworking.
Unlike many dense Amazonian hardwoods, Pashaco offers an excellent balance of moderate weight, good strength, dimensional stability, and ease of machining. These characteristics have made it a popular choice for furniture, interior millwork, plywood, and general construction throughout South America. Although still relatively uncommon outside its native range, Pashaco has become increasingly recognized by woodworkers seeking an attractive and versatile tropical hardwood.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Pashaco
- Scientific Name: Parkia multijuga
- Region: South American Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 100–150 ft (30–46 m) tall, 3–5 ft (0.9–1.5 m) trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: Approximately 35 lbs/ft³ (560 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: Approximately 980 lbf
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
The heartwood ranges from pale yellowish-brown to light reddish-brown and gradually darkens with age. Sapwood is pale cream to nearly white and is usually clearly distinguished from the heartwood. Grain is generally straight, although slight interlocking may occasionally occur. The texture is medium to somewhat coarse with a moderate natural luster. Large open pores give the wood a distinctive appearance and contribute to its excellent finishing qualities.
Key identification traits include:
- Light yellowish-brown to reddish-brown heartwood
- Pale cream to white sapwood
- Straight to slightly interlocked grain
- Medium to coarse texture
- Large open pores
- Moderate natural luster
- Lightweight but durable wood
Working Properties
Pashaco is considered an easy hardwood to machine and is well suited for both hand and machine tools. The wood cuts cleanly, sands smoothly, glues readily, and accepts stains and finishes exceptionally well. Its moderate density also makes it easier to work than many heavier Amazonian hardwoods.
- Machines easily with hand and power tools
- Excellent machining characteristics
- Turns well
- Glues very well
- Sands to a smooth finish
- Accepts stains and finishes readily
- Good dimensional stability
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause mild skin, eye, or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. Standard woodworking safety practices, including adequate dust collection and respiratory protection, are recommended during machining and sanding.
Common Uses
Its combination of moderate weight, attractive appearance, and easy workability makes Pashaco suitable for numerous woodworking applications, including:
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Interior millwork
- Doors
- Window frames
- Plywood
- Veneers
- Light construction
- Wood carvings
- General woodworking
Sustainability & Notes
Pashaco is widespread throughout much of the Amazon Basin and remains an important regional timber species. As with all tropical hardwoods, responsible forest management and sustainable harvesting practices help maintain healthy rainforest ecosystems while ensuring future timber supplies.
Several Parkia species produce commercially valuable lumber under similar common names, making scientific identification important when documenting wood collections or purchasing specialty lumber.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Monkeypod – Another Fabaceae hardwood appreciated for its attractive appearance, moderate density, and excellent workability.
Canarywood – Although denser and more colorful, it is another South American species frequently chosen for decorative furniture and cabinetry.
Spanish Cedar – A favorite for millwork, doors, windows, and cabinetry because of its stability and ease of machining.
Related Guides
Hardwood vs. Softwood: Understanding the Difference – Discover why botanical classification differs from wood density and mechanical properties.
Gluing Exotic Woods Successfully – Learn adhesive selection and surface preparation techniques for achieving strong, durable glue joints.
Wood Movement: Why Wood Expands and Contracts – Understand how moisture affects dimensional stability and how proper acclimation reduces 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
Pashaco is an excellent representative of the Parkia genus and provides an interesting contrast to many of the heavier Amazonian hardwoods. Its lighter weight, coarse texture, and excellent workability make it a valuable addition to collections focused on South American timber diversity. Recording the scientific name, country of origin, supplier, and acquisition date helps preserve the specimen’s educational and historical value.
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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.
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