Ipe Characteristics

This is one strong, tough, and resilient wood. Ipe's naturally durable and weather resistant so it's fantastic in outdoor projects. Moderately difficult to work especially with hand tools; has a blunting effect on cutting edges, however Ipe finishes smoothly except where grain is very roey. The rich dark color makes great accents.

Color Range

Light to dark olive brown with greenish caste, often with lighter or darker streaks.

Other Names

Amapa prieta, Bastard lignum vitae, Bethabara, Canaguate, Cortez, Ebano verde, Ebene vert, Greenhart, Guayacan, Ipe, Ironwood, Lapacho, Lapacho negro, Pau d'Arco, Polvillo, Tajibo

Some Typical Uses

Furniture, flooring, industrial uses, tool handles, exterior applications, decking, inlay, furniture parts.

What's the Tree Like?

May grow to 140-150 feet in height with trunk diameters of 72'' and frequently to heights of 100 feet and diameters of 24-36''. Boles are clear to 60 feet and more, with or without buttresses.

Ipe grows in

Mexico, Central and South America