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Rosewood Central America

(Dalbergia stevensonii)
Common Names:  
Honduras rosewood
Nogaed














Mechanical Values
Category Green Dry Units
Weight   60 lbs/cu.ft.
Density (air-dry)   60 lbs/cu.ft.
Specific Gravity 0.81 0.96  
Hardness      
Stiffness      
Bending Strength      
Shearing Strength      
Max. Crushing Strength      
Work to Maximum Load      
Radial Shrinkage (G->OD)      
Tangential Shrink. (G->OD)      
Volumetric Shrink (G->OD)      

Environmental Profile
The environmental status of this species within its natural habitat has not been officially assessed, but it is generally believed to be very scarce. 

Distribution
Honduras rosewood is reported to be restricted to the southern part of Belize, between latitudes 16 and 17 degrees north. It is reported to grow in fairly large areas alongside rivers, but may also be found on inter-riverian and drier regions. Main habitat areas are given as between the Sarstoon and Monkey Rivers.

Product Sources
Some material from this species are reported to be available from environmentally responsible sources. 

The natural growth range of Honduras rosewood is restricted to a very small area which tends to limit its supplies on the commercial market. Limited quantities of Rosewood in the form of both veneer and lumber can, however, be obtained at high prices from importers.

Tree Data
The height of the mature tree is reported to be 50 to 100 feet (15 to 30 m). Trunks are reported to be typically fluted and short, and are usually forked at about 25 to 30 feet (8 to 9 m) above the ground. Normal trunk diameter is about 36 inches (91 cm) and below. The papery bark is reported to be about 0.25 inch (0.62 cm) thick.

Sapwood Color
The sapwood is pale in color when freshly cut , but changes quickly to yellow upon exposure. The lighter colored sapwood is sharply demarcated from the darker heartwood.

Heartwood Color
The heartwood is described as pinkish brown or purplish with darker and lighter bands. The combination of colors and streaks gives the wood a very attractive appearance.

Grain
The grain is typically straight. 

Texture
Texture is medium to fine.

Luster
The wood has low to medium luster.

Odor
When freshly cut, the bark and sapwood have a characteristic odor similar to that of stored apples. The odor is not discernible in seasoned material. The wood has a slightly bitter taste. 

Ease of Drying
Honduras rosewood is reported to air-season slowly, and may be accompanied by some degrade. Drying periods of two to seven years are reported to be required to season the wood for certain specific applications. Shrinkage values are reported to be unusually low, and are similar to other American rosewoods.

Drying Defects
The wood is reported to be highly prone to checking.

Kiln Schedules
T3 - C2 (4/4); T3 - C1 (8/4) US
Schedule C (4/4) United Kingdom.

Movement in Service
The wood is reported to have good dimensional stability, and retains its shape well after manufacture.

Natural Durability
The heartwood is reported to be highly durable, and fairly resistant to attack by termites. The sapwood is reported to deteriorate rapidly in contact with the ground.

Blunting Effect
Blunting effect on cutting edges can be rather rapid and severe.

Cutting Resistance
The material is reported to be moderately difficult to saw.

Planing
Honduras rosewood is reported to be generally difficult to plane especially when interlocked grain is present. It tends to ride on cutters. A cutting angle of 20 degrees is recommended.

Turning
The wood has excellent turning qualities.

Boring
The material is reported to be moderately difficult to work in boring and most woodworking operations because of its hardness. It tends to ride over cutters and dull cutting edges rather rapidly.

Strength Properties
Honduras rosewood is reported to be denser and tougher than Brazilian rosewood. Its strength properties are rated as less than outstanding, and it is usually used in applications where qualities other than strength are more desired.