Sucupira
Scientific Name: Bowdichia virgilioides
Overview
Sucupira is a dense and durable South American hardwood known for its deep brown coloration and excellent strength. Native primarily to Brazil and neighboring regions, it is widely used in flooring, heavy construction, and structural applications where durability is essential.
Its rich color and hardness make it a popular alternative to darker tropical hardwoods such as Ipe, while offering a slightly more uniform appearance and strong long-term performance.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Sucupira
- Scientific Name: Bowdichia virgilioides
- Region: South American Hardwoods (Brazil and surrounding regions)
- Tree Size: 60–100 ft tall, 2–4 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 60 lbs/ft³ (960 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 2,140 lbf
- Color: Medium to dark brown with darker streaks
- Grain: Interlocked
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
Sucupira is most easily identified by its medium to dark brown heartwood, often displaying subtle darker striping. The grain is typically straight but may show mild interlocking, and the texture is medium with visible pores.
Sapwood is pale and clearly distinct from the darker heartwood.
Key identification traits include:
- Rich brown coloration with occasional darker streaks
- Moderate darkening with age
- Straight to slightly interlocked grain
- Medium texture
- High density and substantial weight
Working Properties
Sucupira is considered moderately difficult to work due to its hardness and density.
- Pre-drilling is recommended for fasteners
- Machines cleanly with sharp carbide tools
- Interlocked grain may cause minor tear-out
- Glues and finishes reliably when properly prepared
- Excellent dimensional stability once dried
Its strength and durability make it especially well suited for flooring and structural uses.
Safety Note
Dust from Sucupira may cause skin or respiratory irritation in some individuals. Standard dust collection and respiratory protection are recommended during machining and sanding.
Common Uses
Sucupira is widely used in:
- Hardwood flooring
- Heavy construction
- Outdoor structures
- Stair treads
- Furniture
- Turned objects
Its durability makes it suitable for both interior and select exterior applications.
Sustainability & Notes
Sucupira is not currently listed under CITES. As with many South American hardwoods, responsible sourcing is important due to regional forest management concerns.
Availability remains consistent in commercial markets, particularly in flooring supply chains.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Cumaru – A very dense South American hardwood known for its extreme hardness and use in decking and heavy-duty flooring.
Jatoba – A durable hardwood commonly used in flooring and furniture, typically lighter in color and slightly easier to machine than Sucupira.
Ipe – One of the most well-known tropical hardwoods for exterior use, valued for its exceptional strength and resistance to decay.
Related Guides
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Studying grain texture and color variation helps distinguish dense tropical hardwoods used in flooring and structural applications.
Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale Guide)
Understanding hardness ratings helps explain the durability and wear resistance of hardwood species.
Machining Dense Tropical Hardwoods
Dense tropical hardwoods require sharp tools and careful machining to achieve clean cuts and smooth finishes.
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
Sucupira is valued in collections representing dense structural South American hardwoods. Well-seasoned boards develop a deeper, more uniform brown tone.
Boards with subtle striping are preferred for flooring and furniture samples, while more uniform pieces are commonly selected for structural applications. Its combination of density and rich coloration makes it a strong representative species within the region.
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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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