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Illustration—not a verified specimenCabreuva (Myrocarpus frondosus) wood grain — Janka 2,350 lbf
Hardwood

Cabreuva

Myrocarpus frondosus

Genus: Myrocarpus · Family: Fabaceae

Flooring
Furniture
Turning

Quick Facts

Wood Type

Hardwood

Native Range

South America

Avg. Dried Weight

57 lb/ft³

Janka Hardness

2,350 lbf

Decay Resistance

Durable

Typical Color

Reddish Brown

Stability

High

Outdoor Suitability

Good

Workability

Difficult

Availability

Limited

CITES

Unlisted

IUCN

Not Evaluated

Limited data · 2/9

Did You Know?

  • •Cabreuva is harder than 81% of the 137 species in our database.

Janka Hardness Scale

2,350lbf

Very Hard

Cabreuva
100
690
1,010
1,360
1,450
1,820
3,510
4,570

Overview

Professional Summary

Cabreuva (Myrocarpus frondosus) is a dense South American hardwood with a fine texture, pleasant balsamic scent, and excellent natural durability. At 2,350 lbf Janka, it's very hard and well-suited for flooring and decking where wear resistance is critical.

In Plain English

Cabreuva is a hard, heavy Brazilian wood with a pleasant balsamic fragrance. It's primarily used for flooring where its hardness and rich reddish-brown color make it a durable, attractive choice. Think of it as a lesser-known alternative to Jatoba for exotic floors.

Appearance

Heartwood ColorMedium reddish brown to orangish brown
SapwoodPale yellowish, distinct
GrainInterlocked
TextureFine to medium
LusterModerate to high

Technical Properties

Avg. Dried Weight57 lb/ft³
Specific Gravity (basic)Not recorded
Specific Gravity (12% MC)Not recorded
Janka Hardness2,350 lbf
Modulus of RuptureNot recorded
Elastic ModulusNot recorded
Crushing StrengthNot recorded
Shrinkage (Radial)Not recorded
Shrinkage (Tangential)Not recorded
Shrinkage (Volumetric)Not recorded
T/R RatioNot recorded
Stability RatingHigh

Sources, Conditions & Safety

No documented references are attached to this profile yet. Its recorded values should not be treated as source-verified.

Wood dust & sensitivity

Species-specific safety information has not been documented here. Absence of a warning does not mean the wood is safe or non-allergenic.

Use dust extraction and appropriate protective equipment; consult occupational-safety guidance. This is not medical advice or food-contact approval.

Durability & Performance

Decay ResistanceDurable
Outdoor SuitabilityGood

Workability

Overall RatingDifficult
MachiningDifficult due to high density and interlocked grain. Sharp carbide tools required. Pre-drilling recommended.
Blunting EffectHigh
GluingMay require surface preparation due to density
FinishingTakes finishes well. Natural oils contribute a pleasant scent.

Common Uses

Flooring
Furniture
Turned Objects

Exotic flooring, decking, heavy construction, furniture, and turned objects.

Sustainability & Trade

Listings are reference information, not proof of legal sourcing or certification. Verify current trade rules and supplier documentation before buying; absence of a note does not mean unrestricted trade.

CITES StatusUnlisted
IUCN StatusNot Evaluated
Sourcing NotesHarvested from South American forests. Commercially available but not as widely traded as Ipe or Jatoba.

Very hard on tools. Heavy and difficult to work. Limited availability in some markets.

Native Distribution

South America

Find Substitutes

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Look-Alike Species

Woods with a similar reddish brown color that are easily confused with Cabreuva. Recorded differences are shown where data exists; confirm identification with end-grain examination.