Santa Maria
Scientific Name: Calophyllum brasiliense
Overview
Santa Maria is a moderately dense tropical hardwood native to Central America and parts of northern South America. Known for its warm reddish-brown tone and reliable structural performance, it is frequently used in exterior construction, flooring, and marine applications.
Often marketed as a teak alternative in some regions, Santa Maria offers good durability, stability, and workability at a more accessible price point. Its balanced density and strength make it suitable for both interior and exterior use.
Watch Video Overview
Watch a visual overview of this species including grain patterns, color variation, working characteristics, and common woodworking uses.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Santa Maria
- Scientific Name: Calophyllum brasiliense
- Region: Central American Hardwoods (Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America)
- Tree Size: 80–130 ft tall, 2–4 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 38 lbs/ft³ (610 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,070 lbf
- Color: Pinkish brown to reddish brown, often darkening with age
- Grain: Interlocked
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
Santa Maria is most easily identified by its pinkish to reddish-brown heartwood and relatively straight grain. The texture is medium, and the surface presents a clean, uniform appearance when properly milled.
It lacks dramatic figuring, presenting instead a consistent structural-grade appearance.
Key identification traits include:
- Warm pinkish to reddish-brown coloration
- Straight, even grain
- Moderate natural luster
- Medium texture
- Clearly defined lighter sapwood
Working Properties
Santa Maria is generally considered moderately easy to work.
- Machines well with standard carbide tooling
- Gluing performance is reliable
- Sands and finishes evenly
- Pre-drilling recommended for dense stock
- Good dimensional stability when properly dried
Its balanced hardness makes it workable while still offering strong performance in structural roles.
Safety Note
Dust may cause mild irritation in some individuals. Proper dust collection and respiratory protection are recommended during machining and sanding.
Common Uses
Santa Maria is widely used in:
- Exterior decking
- Boat building and marine components
- Flooring
- Cabinetry
- Doors and millwork
- General construction
Its durability and stability make it particularly useful in humid or demanding environments.
Sustainability & Notes
Santa Maria is not currently listed under CITES. As with all tropical hardwoods, responsible sourcing and supplier verification are important to ensure sustainable harvesting.
Availability is generally stable in commercial markets.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Ilomba – Ilomba is a lightweight African hardwood commonly used in plywood, veneer, carving, and interior millwork.
Cedro – A lighter tropical hardwood known for its workability and use in cabinetry and interior woodworking, typically less dense than Santa Maria.
Spanish Cedar – A lightweight aromatic hardwood commonly used in cabinetry and humidors, offering easier machining but less durability than Santa Maria.
Related Guides
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Studying grain texture and color variation helps distinguish tropical hardwoods used in furniture and interior applications.
Drying & Acclimating Exotic Woods
Proper drying and acclimation help maintain stability and reduce movement in woodworking lumber.
Moisture Content & Long-Term Stability
Managing moisture content helps prevent warping and ensures long-term stability in wood used for furniture and interior applications.
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
Santa Maria represents the structural Central American hardwood category within a collection. Well-seasoned boards deepen slightly in tone and maintain a consistent appearance.
Collectors often select straight-grained boards with uniform coloration to best represent the species’ functional character rather than decorative figure.
Video Overview
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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.
Related Tools & Products:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
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