Torchwood
Scientific name: Amyris elemifera
Overview
Torchwood is a Caribbean hardwood known for its aromatic properties and moderate density. Historically, it has been used for lighting due to its resin content, but it is also suitable for small woodworking applications and general use.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Torchwood
- Scientific Name: Amyris elemifera
- Region: Caribbean & West Indies Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 20–40 ft tall, 1–2 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 42 lbs/ft³ (670 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,200 lbf
- Color: Yellowish brown to light brown
- Grain: Straight
- Texture: Fine to medium
Identification Characteristics
Torchwood is typically lighter in color with a straight grain and fine texture. It may also have a noticeable aromatic quality when worked.
Key identification traits include:
- Light yellowish brown coloration
- Straight grain
- Fine to medium texture
- Aromatic wood
Working Properties
Torchwood is relatively easy to work and performs well in small projects and general woodworking.
- Easy to machine
- Stable during cutting
- Glues and finishes well
- Suitable for smaller applications
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause irritation. Use proper dust collection and respiratory protection.
Common Uses
Torchwood is used in smaller applications and specialty uses due to its size and properties.
- Small woodworking projects
- Carvings
- Specialty items
Sustainability & Notes
Torchwood is common in the region and not heavily traded internationally.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Gumbo-Limbo – A softer and lighter wood used in similar regional applications.
Breadfruit – A light hardwood used for general-purpose woodworking.
Fiddlewood – A medium-density hardwood with similar working properties.
Related Guides
Drying & Acclimating Exotic Woods – Covers proper handling to prevent movement and defects.
Gluing Exotic Woods: Challenges and Solutions – Explains best practices for bonding hardwoods.
Best Woods for Furniture Making – Shows where lighter hardwoods fit in furniture 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
Torchwood is a unique collector species due to its aromatic nature and historical use, making it different from typical structural hardwoods.
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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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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:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
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