Santos Mahogany 

Scientific Name: Myroxylon balsamum

Family: Leguminosae

Distribution: Has a wide range from southern Mexico southward through Central America and continuing to Argentina.

Other Names: Balsamo, Palo de balsamo, Cedro chino, Chirraca, Nabal, Sandalo, Tache, Estoraque, Cabriuva vermelha, Incienso, Quina.

Wood Description: Luster medium to high. Texture ismedium, grain is typically interlocked; may have a pleasant spicy scent.

Sapwood: White, sharply demarcated from the heartwood.

Heartwood: Reddish brown becoming deep red or somewhat purplish upon exposure; fairly uniform to striped.

Processing: Reported to be moderately difficult to work but can be finished smoothly with a high natural polish.  Though nonsiliceous, there is more than the usual dulling of cutters.

Durability: The heartwood is reported to be highly resistant to attack by decay fungi.  Both the sapwood and heartwood are highly resistant to preservative treatments.

Common Uses: Flooring, furniture, interior trim, turnery, railroad crossties.  The tree is also well known for its yield of balsam, which is used in perfumes, and harvested mainly in El Salvador.