Tzalam
Scientific Name: Lysiloma acapulcense
Overview
Tzalam, often marketed as Caribbean Walnut, is a durable Central American hardwood known for its rich brown coloration and strong structural performance. Native to Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and surrounding regions, it has become increasingly popular for flooring, furniture, and architectural applications.
Though sometimes compared to true walnut in color tone, Tzalam is botanically unrelated. It represents the dense, durable category of tropical hardwoods used for both interior and exterior applications. Its warm brown hues and subtle striping make it visually versatile across modern and traditional designs.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Tzalam
- Scientific Name: Lysiloma latisiliquum
- Region: Caribbean & West Indies Hardwoods (Mexico, Caribbean, and Central America)
- Tree Size: 40–80 ft tall, 1–3 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 55 lbs/ft³ (880 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,780 lbf
- Color: Reddish brown to dark brown with darker streaks
- Grain: Interlocked
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
Tzalam is most easily identified by its medium to dark brown heartwood, often accented by subtle darker streaking. Some boards may show mild ribbon striping due to interlocked grain.
The grain is typically interlocked or slightly wavy, and the texture is medium. It is noticeably heavier than domestic walnut and feels dense for its size.
Key identification traits include:
- Warm brown coloration
- Subtle darker striping
- Medium texture
- Interlocked or slightly wavy grain
- Solid weight relative to size
Working Properties
Tzalam machines well but can present minor tear-out due to interlocked grain.
- Cuts and machines cleanly with sharp tooling
- May require attention when planing
- Glues reliably
- Finishes smoothly
- Accepts oil and film finishes well
Its balance of hardness and workability makes it popular for flooring and cabinetry.
Safety Note
Dust may cause mild irritation in some individuals. Standard dust collection and respiratory protection are recommended during machining.
Common Uses
Tzalam is commonly used in:
- Flooring
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Stair treads
- Architectural millwork
- Exterior decking (properly sealed)
Its durability and dimensional stability make it suitable for high-traffic areas.
Sustainability & Notes
Tzalam is not currently CITES-listed but should be sourced responsibly due to increasing commercial demand. Availability is generally stable in regional markets.
Proper drying is important to ensure long-term dimensional stability.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Chechen – A dense Central American hardwood with similar color range and use in furniture and decorative woodworking.
Granadillo – A hard tropical hardwood valued for its durability and rich reddish-brown tones, often used in fine woodworking and instruments.
Gonçalo Alves – A decorative hardwood known for its bold grain patterns and contrast, commonly used in furniture, flooring, and turning.
Related Guides
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Studying grain contrast and color variation helps distinguish decorative tropical hardwoods used in furniture and specialty woodworking.
Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale Guide)
Understanding hardness ratings helps explain the durability and working properties of hardwood species.
Finishing Oils vs Polyurethane on Exotic Species
Choosing the right finish helps enhance the natural color and grain patterns of decorative 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
Tzalam represents the architectural-grade brown hardwood category within a Central American hardwood collection.
Collectors typically seek boards with pronounced striping and consistent coloration. Wide, clean boards are especially desirable for furniture and flooring applications.
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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:
• WETOLS Corner Clamp for Woodworking
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• Worx Pegasus 2-in-1 Folding Work Table & Sawhorse
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• EZARC Countersink Drill Bit Set
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