CROWN CEREJEIRA

Also known as: Cumare, Cumaru, Brazilian Oak

Botanical Name: Amburana cearensis

Origin: South America, principally Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina

Description: Little used in the U.K., this is a yellow to pinky-yellow, rather coarse grained veneer that, in good examples, can look most attractive when finished. Some say it has a straw-like resemblance. The fresh veneer has a pleasing scent, somewhat like that of vanilla. Felling is now controlled in Brazil and Argentina. The logs are usually flat sliced or first cut into thirds in order to produce mainly crown veneer, although good quality straight-grained material is also generally available. Occasional parcels of highly decorative curls (crotches) are sometimes produced, these being mainly used on special furniture.