Tajibo
Scientific name: Handroanthus impetiginosus
Overview
Tajibo, also known as Pink Ipê, Pink Lapacho, or Purple Trumpet Tree, is a highly recognizable South American hardwood native to Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil, and surrounding regions. While the tree is widely celebrated for its spectacular pink to purple floral displays, it also produces a dense and durable hardwood valued for construction, flooring, and exterior applications.
As a member of the same genus as many commercially traded Ipê species, Tajibo shares many of the strength and durability characteristics that have made Ipê famous worldwide. The wood’s excellent resistance to decay, insects, and wear makes it suitable for demanding environments where long service life is required.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Tajibo
- Scientific Name: Handroanthus impetiginosus
- Region: South American Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 50–100 ft tall, 1–3 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 60 lbs/ft³
- Janka Hardness: 3,100 lbf
- Color: Olive brown to dark brown
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Fine to medium
Identification Characteristics
Tajibo wood is dense and durable, with coloration and texture similar to other Ipê species. Freshly milled lumber often displays olive-brown tones that gradually darken with age.
Key identification traits include:
- Olive brown to dark brown heartwood
- High density and weight
- Fine to medium texture
- Straight to slightly interlocked grain
- Excellent natural durability
- Strong resistance to decay and insects
Working Properties
Tajibo can be difficult to machine due to its density, but produces highly durable finished products. Pre-drilling is often recommended when fastening the wood.
- Difficult to machine because of density
- Dulls cutting tools relatively quickly
- Excellent wear resistance
- Good dimensional stability
- Accepts finishes satisfactorily
- Outstanding outdoor durability
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation in some individuals. Proper dust collection and respiratory protection are recommended during woodworking operations.
Common Uses
Tajibo is frequently used in demanding structural and exterior applications.
- Decking
- Exterior construction
- Flooring
- Bridges
- Boardwalks
- Heavy timber construction
- Outdoor furniture
- Marine applications
- Industrial flooring
- Utility structures
Sustainability & Notes
Tajibo is closely related to several commercially important Ipê species and shares many of the same performance characteristics. Because of growing international demand for dense tropical hardwoods, responsible sourcing and sustainable forestry practices are increasingly important.
The species is often recognized as much for its spectacular flowering displays as for its highly durable wood.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Ipe – A closely related hardwood known worldwide for exceptional durability and outdoor performance.
Nato – Another dense South American hardwood valued for strength, wear resistance, and long service life.
Greenheart – A highly durable tropical hardwood frequently used in marine and heavy construction applications.
Related Guides
Best Woods for Outdoor Use – Explore hardwood species that excel in decking, exterior construction, and other demanding outdoor environments.
Understanding Wood Strength: What Makes Wood Strong? – Learn how density, grain structure, and wood anatomy contribute to strength and long-term performance.
Machining Dense Tropical Hardwoods – Discover best practices for cutting, shaping, and finishing some of the world’s hardest and heaviest hardwoods.
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
Tajibo is a valuable addition to any South American hardwood collection because it combines the botanical interest of one of the continent’s most beautiful flowering trees with the physical properties of a premium tropical hardwood. Collectors often include Tajibo alongside Ipê, Greenheart, and Nato to represent the region’s most durable construction woods.
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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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