Pau Rosa
Bobgunnia fistuloides
Pau Rosa is a striking African hardwood prized for its deep reddish-pink to purple-brown heartwood color. With exceptional hardness and durability, it serves as a substitute for endangered rosewood species and is highly valued for fine woodworking, turning, and decorative applications. The wood develops a lustrous finish when properly worked.
Botanical Profile
Bobgunnia fistuloides is native to tropical Africa, occurring from Senegal to Uganda and south to Angola. Trees typically reach 20-30 meters in height with trunk diameters of 60-100 cm. The species grows in savanna woodlands and dry forests at moderate elevations.
Physical Properties
Pau Rosa is very dense with a dried weight of approximately 925 kg/m³ and exceptional Janka hardness of 2,050 lbf. The heartwood displays a distinctive deep reddish-pink to purple-brown color that darkens with age. Grain is typically interlocked and sometimes irregular. Medium to fine texture with specific gravity of 0.83.
Workshop Notes
Blunting Effect
High - very dense wood that dulls cutting edges quickly
Gluing Advice
Glues well once surfaces are properly prepared and cleaned
Finishing
Finishes to a beautiful lustrous surface, especially with oil or wax
Steam Bending
Not typically used for bending due to density and grain structure
Historical Context
Pau Rosa has been used traditionally in Africa for durable construction and tool making. More recently, it has gained international recognition as a premium exotic hardwood, particularly valued as a substitute for endangered rosewood species in high-end woodworking and instrument making.
Technical Specs
Not listed in CITES but should be sourced responsibly