Sangre de Toro
Scientific name: Licania guianensis
Overview
Sangre de Toro is a tropical hardwood found throughout Central America, known for its distinctive coloration and relatively lightweight structure compared to many dense tropical species. The name, meaning “bull’s blood,” comes from the reddish tones sometimes present in the wood.
Despite its softer nature, Sangre de Toro is valued for its workability and is commonly used in interior applications, furniture, and light construction. It provides a good balance between ease of use and visual appeal.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Sangre de Toro
- Scientific Name: Licania guianensis.
- Region: Central American Hardwoods (Mexico to Panama)
- Tree Size: 80–130 ft tall, 2–4 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: ~25–35 lbs/ft³ (400–560 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: ~500–900 lbf
- Color: Pale brown to reddish-brown, sometimes with pink or red tones
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
Sangre de Toro is generally lighter in weight and appearance than many tropical hardwoods, with subtle but sometimes warm coloration.
Key identification traits include:
- Light brown to reddish tones, occasionally pinkish
- Generally uniform appearance with low to moderate contrast
- Straight to slightly interlocked grain
- Medium to coarse texture
- Low natural luster compared to denser hardwoods
Working Properties
Sangre de Toro is easy to work compared to most tropical hardwoods due to its lower density.
- Machines very easily with hand and power tools
- Minimal tool wear
- Sands and finishes well
- Glues reliably
- Moderate dimensional stability
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause mild irritation. Use standard dust protection when machining.
Common Uses
Sangre de Toro is primarily used in applications where ease of machining and availability are important.
- Furniture
- Interior joinery
- Veneer
- Paneling
- Light construction
Sustainability & Notes
Sangre de Toro is widely distributed and not typically subject to strict trade restrictions. However, sourcing practices vary, and responsible forestry is recommended.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Spanish Cedar
Lighter and more aromatic, with a softer texture and more common use in interior joinery and cabinetry.
Primavera
Typically more golden in color and often valued for its clearer, more decorative appearance in furniture applications.
Santa Maria
Generally heavier and more durable, with a more uniform medium brown appearance and broader structural use.
Related Guides
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Helps distinguish species like Sangre de Toro by examining grain structure, texture, and visual pattern.
Understanding Interlocked vs Straight Grain
Useful for understanding the subtle grain structure seen in woods like Sangre de Toro and how it affects appearance and machining.
Drying & Acclimating Exotic Woods
Important for lighter tropical hardwoods to reduce the risk of movement, warping, or instability after installation or use.
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
Sangre de Toro provides an excellent contrast within a hardwood collection due to its lower density and softer structure. It highlights how not all tropical hardwoods are extremely dense or difficult to work.
Its subtle coloration and lighter weight make it useful as a reference species when comparing against heavier Central American woods like Jobillo or Granadillo.
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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:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
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