Goncalo Alves (Astronium fraxinifolium)

Characteristics Light Heavy Weight: Soft Hard Hardness: Fine Coarse Texture: Easy Difficult Working: Easy Difficult Finishing: Chart Help

Goncalo Alves Characteristics

Hard and heavy, of course. The fine texture and takes a glass-like finish, and is celebrated for it. While it's difficult to work due to tension in the wood, Goncalo Alves makes a fine lathe wood in addition to being quite durable and weather resistant. Tables and larger projects always look impressive when made from Goncalo.

Color Range

Light butterscotch brown to reddish brown with blackish brown streaks.

Other Names

Bois de zebra, Bossona, Bototo, Coubaril, Gateado, Gomavel, Goncalo alves, Guarabu bata, Guarabu, encirado, Guarabu rajado, Gusanero, Jejuira, Kingwood, Locustwood, Muiracatiara, Mura, Muira, Muiraquatiara, Mura, Rajado branco, Red astronium, Robel gatea, Tigerwood

Some Typical Uses

Furniture, cabinets, flooring, tool handles, bowls, desks, marine construction, small accessories.

What's the Tree Like?

Grows to a height of 100 feet with a long straight trunk about 36'' in diameter.

Goncalo Alves grows in

Tropical Central & South America