Ipe

Scientific Name: Tabebuia spp.

Family: Bignoniaceae

Distribution: Throughout continental tropical America and some of the Lesser Antilles. The tree grows on a variety of sites, from ridge tops to riverbanks and marsh forests.

Other Names: Brazilian Walnut, Amapa, Cortez, Guayacan, Guayacan plovillo, Flor Amarillo, Greenhart (Surinam), Madera negra, Tahuari, Lapacho negro

Wood Description: Texture fine to medium; luster low to medium; grain straight to very irregular; rather oily looking.

Sapwood: Relatively thick, yellowish gray or gray brown. 

Heartwood: Olive brown to blackish often with lighter or darker striping, often covered with a yellow powder.

Processing: Generally reported to air-dry rapidly with only slight checking and warping.  Moderately difficult to work especially with handtools.  Has a blunting effect on cutting edges, but generally finishes smoothly. 

Durability: Heartwood is very resistant to attack by decay fungi and termites; not resistant to marine borers. Extremely resistant to preservation treatments. 

Common Uses: Railroad crossties, heavy construction, tool handles, turnery, industrial flooring, textile mill items, decorative veneers.