Bolivian Rosewood: A Threatened Species In Danger

Bolivian Rosewood, also known as Machaerium spp., is a fine-textured, dark-coloured hardwood that resembles East Indian Rosewood. It is native to South America, mainly Brazil and Bolivia.

In 2017, the Convention of International Trade of Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES) added all species of rosewood under the genus Dalbergia to its list of protected species, along with three bubinga species. This move was made to protect tree species worldwide that were becoming threatened by their overuse in musical instruments and furniture.

Bolivian Rosewood is not a true Rosewood/Dalbergia species, and therefore, it is not on the CITES list of protected species. However, some sources suggest that the wood is very similar in appearance and working properties to Rosewood and is sometimes used as a substitute for endangered Brazilian Rosewood.

Bolivian Rosewood is not a true Rosewood

Bolivian Rosewood, also known as Pau Ferro, Morado, and Santos Rosewood, is not a true Rosewood. Although it shares many characteristics with true rosewoods, including its colours, working properties, and density, its scientific name does not contain 'Dalbergia'. Instead, it is a Machaerium spp.

Bolivian Rosewood is an exotic wood with beautiful rosewood-like qualities. The colour ranges from violet streaks to coffee browns and black, with frequent black striping. The wood lightens over time, especially in direct sunlight, from darker brown tones to lighter gold/tan tones. The trees grow in Bolivia and some surrounding countries, reaching heights of 65-100 ft (20-30 m) with a trunk diameter of 3-5 ft (1-1.5 m).

Bolivian Rosewood is often used for acoustic and electric guitars, as well as high-end veneers, jewellery boxes, and other specialty wood objects. It is more affordable than true rosewoods and glues better. However, it is susceptible to insect attacks and is not recommended for direct ground contact.

Although Bolivian Rosewood is not a true Rosewood, it is botanically very closely related to true rosewoods, both falling under the Fabaceae family. It even contains the same sensitising compounds found in rosewoods. Bolivian Rosewood is a great alternative to true rosewoods and is highly regarded for its beauty and workability.

Bolivian Rosewood is also known as Pau Ferro, Morado, and Santos Rosewood

Bolivian Rosewood, also known as Pau Ferro, Morado, and Santos Rosewood, is scientifically known as Machaerium spp. (primarily M. scleroxylon). It is a tropical hardwood native to South America, particularly Brazil and Bolivia, and is characterised by its reddish/orange to dark violet/brown colour, with contrasting darker black streaks. The narrow sapwood of this tree is pale yellow and is clearly demarcated from the heartwood. The grain is typically straight, though it can sometimes be slightly irregular or interlocked.

Bolivian Rosewood is not a true rosewood (Dalbergia spp.) but is often used as a substitute for endangered rosewood species, such as Brazilian Rosewood. It has similar working properties and appearance to rosewood and is botanically very closely related, as both are part of the Fabaceae family. Bolivian Rosewood is also known for its high durability, although it is susceptible to insect attacks. In terms of workability, it is considered fair, as it can blunt cutting tools, and any irregular grain can cause issues during machining operations.

The common uses of Bolivian Rosewood include veneer, musical instruments, cabinetry, flooring, interior trim, turning, and other small specialty wood objects. It is a medium-priced exotic imported hardwood and is more affordable than some of the scarcer true rosewoods.

Bolivian Rosewood is a fine-textured, dark-coloured hardwood

Bolivian Rosewood, also known as Santos Rosewood, is a fine-textured, dark-coloured hardwood. It is a wood of many names, sometimes called Morado, Pau Ferro, or Machaerium spp. It is botanically very closely related to true rosewoods, both being subdivided within the Fabaceae family into the tribe Dalbergieae and even further into the subclade Dalbergia.

Bolivian Rosewood is a highly varied wood, ranging from reddish/orange to a dark violet/brown, usually with contrasting darker black streaks. It is a very durable wood, though quite susceptible to insect attack, and not recommended in direct ground contact. It is considered overall to be of fair workability, as it can blunt the cutting edges of tools, and any irregular grain has a tendency to tear out during machining operations. It turns and finishes well.

Bolivian Rosewood is very popular in both veneer and lumber, for fine furniture and architectural millwork. It is also used for guitar building and instrument making, wood turning, automotive and aircraft interiors, inlaying, and box making, among other applications.

In terms of availability, Bolivian Rosewood is not listed in the CITES Appendices, and many of the species within the Machaerium genus are reported by the IUCN as being of least concern. One exception is Machaerium villosum from Brazil, which is reported as vulnerable due to deforestation.

Bolivian Rosewood is used for guitar-making

Bolivian Rosewood, also known as Santos Rosewood, Morado, and Pau Ferro, is used for guitar-making. Although it is not a true rosewood, it shares many characteristics with it, including its colours, working properties, and density. The wood is highly varied in colour, ranging from reddish/orange to a dark violet/brown, with contrasting darker black streaks. It is also dense, hard, tough, and strong.

Bolivian Rosewood is a good choice for acoustic and electric guitars. It is a dream to finish because it has very small pores, so no grain filling is necessary. It is also less expensive than other true rosewoods. However, it can blunt the cutting edges of tools, and any irregular grain has a tendency to tear out during machining operations. It is also susceptible to insect attack and is not recommended for direct ground contact.

Bolivian Rosewood is not listed in the CITES Appendices, and many of the species within the Machaerium genus are reported by the IUCN as being of least concern. However, one exception is Machaerium villosum from Brazil, which is reported as vulnerable due to deforestation.

Bolivian Rosewood is not listed in the CITES Appendices

Bolivian Rosewood, also known as Machaerium spp. (primarily M. scleroxylon), is not listed in the CITES Appendices. CITES, or the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, is an organisation that keeps a list of endangered species whose trade is regulated or restricted in some way.

The CITES list is divided into three tiers, or Appendices, with Appendix I being the most restrictive category, followed by Appendix II, and then Appendix III. Bolivian Rosewood is not listed in any of these Appendices.

While Bolivian Rosewood is not listed, many other rosewood species are. For example, Brazilian Rosewood (Dalbergia nigra) is listed under Appendix I, the most restrictive category. This means that it is considered to be threatened with extinction. Other rosewood species listed under Appendix II include East Indian Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia), Honduran Rosewood (Dalbergia stevensonii), and Madagascar Rosewood (Dalbergia maritima).

The inclusion of these rosewood species in the CITES Appendices means that their trade is regulated and they cannot be crossed over international borders without the necessary paperwork. However, Bolivian Rosewood, not being listed, is not subject to these same restrictions.

It is important to note that the situation regarding CITES and the trade of rosewood is complex and can be subject to change. While Bolivian Rosewood is not currently listed, it is possible that this could change in the future if the species is deemed to be at risk. Additionally, individual countries may have their own regulations regarding the trade of Bolivian Rosewood, so it is important to check the specific laws and regulations of the relevant countries when dealing with this wood.

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