FIGURED IVORYWOOD

Also known as: Pau Marfim, Guatambu, Bahia Satinwood

Botanical Name: Balfourodendron riedelianum

Origin: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay

Description: In its native south America this heavy, pale golden yellow coloured timber has many uses, including flooring, where it is often preferred to Maple in view of its high resistance to wear. For veneer production the figured logs are of most interest and the best of these are highly decorative. In particular when quarter cut the figure can be quite beautiful, mostly displaying an irregular mottle and on occasion a fine fiddleback. It has a lustrous look and a very fine texture, somewhat resembling east Indian Satinwood. Good examples in lengths of 2.50 metres and above are not always easy to source but when available make a fine choice for interior decoration (panelling, doors, ceilings, fixed units etc.). It is also an excellent veneer for fine cabinet work and, when appropriate, takes a high gloss finish very well.