Wood Information
Goncalo Alves; Family: Anacardiaceae
Common Names: Palo de cera, Palo de culebra (Mexico), Gusanero
(Colombia), Gateado (Venezuela), Guarita (Brazil), Guasango (Ecuador).
Distribution: Goncalo Alves is a common tree in the upland forests of many
regions from Mexico and Central America through to Colombia, Venezuela,
Brazil, and Ecuador.
The Tree: Attains diameters of 24 to 40 in. or more and a maximum height of
120 ft. Except for narrow buttress flanges 4 to 6 ft tall, it has a clear cylindrical
trunk for two thirds or more of its height. The logs are typically sound
throughout.
The Wood: When fresh, the heartwood is russet brown, orange brown, or
reddish brown to red with narrow to wide irregular stripes of medium to very
dark brown. After exposure it becomes brown, red, or dark reddish brown
with nearly black stripes. The dingy grayish or brownish-white sapwood, 2 to 4
in. wide, is sharply demarcated. Grain variable, straight to roey; texture fine to
medium, uniform; no distinctive odor or taste. The wood often has a striking
figure caused by irregular dark longitudinal bands.
Uses: Among the most outstanding heavy, durable construction timbers, also
highly favored as a fine furniture and cabinet wood. Cut for decorative
veneers. It is used for specialty items such as knife handles, brush backs,
archery bows, billiard cue butts, turnery, and carving.  
Harding Pens and Woodturnings
Wood Information