Pau Santo
Scientific name: Zollernia paraensis
Overview
Pau Santo is a medium-density South American hardwood native primarily to Brazil. It is known for its light to medium brown coloration, moderate strength, and good workability.
The wood is used in a variety of applications including furniture, cabinetry, and general woodworking, where a balance of durability and ease of processing is important.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Pau Santo
- Scientific Name: Zollernia paraensis
- Region: South American Hardwoods (Brazil)
- Tree Size: 50–90 ft tall, 1.5–3 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 40 lbs/ft³ (640 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,050 lbf
- Color: Light brown to medium brown
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
Pau Santo is identified by its relatively uniform brown coloration and simple grain structure.
Key identification traits include:
- Light to medium brown heartwood
- Straight to slightly interlocked grain
- Medium texture
- Uniform appearance
Working Properties
Pau Santo is generally easy to work and suitable for a wide range of applications.
- Machines easily
- Planes and sands smoothly
- Glues and finishes well
- Accepts coatings evenly
- Good dimensional stability
Safety Note
Dust may cause mild irritation. Standard protective measures are recommended.
Common Uses
Pau Santo is commonly used in applications where moderate strength and ease of workability are desired.
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Interior joinery
- Paneling
- General woodworking
Sustainability & Notes
Pau Santo is not listed under CITES. It is harvested in South America, and responsible sourcing is recommended.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Canela – Similar in density and workability.
Tornillo – Comparable general-use applications.
Andiroba – Slightly heavier with a more reddish tone.
Related Guides
Wood Identification
Helps distinguish similar medium-density hardwoods.
Drying & Acclimating Exotic Woods
Important for maintaining stability.
Hardwood vs Softwood
Provides foundational comparison knowledge.
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
Pau Santo is a practical addition to collections as a representative of medium-density South American hardwoods with straightforward characteristics. It provides a useful comparison alongside other general-purpose species.
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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