Posted on 11 April 2008 by admin
The massive Amazon rainforest is home to thousands upon thousands of different specie of plant life. It is known as the most expansive collection of life on the planet, housing so many plants, insects, and animals that humans have not even recorded much of what lies within. Those we have identified are rare and beautiful specimen, renowned for their individual qualities. Amongst these, few stand out above the rest, and it is on one of those that we now home in on.
It is known in South America as Jatobá, but in North America, it is called Brazilian Cherry. In fact, this tree is not a cherry tree at all, but is a legume, the branch of plants responsible for things like peanuts, peas, and lentils. The rationalization for this seems to be a strategic marketing technique without any specific origin. Saying that Jatobá is Brazilian Cherry may make some potential customers feel somehow inclined to purchase something familiar. Everyone knows what a cherry tree is, but not many know Jatobá is, and thus a relationship is built and established. Since the inception of the name itself, it has simply become the most common title used in North America. There are dozens of other names as well, dependent on the region one is referring to. Hymenaea Courbaril is the botanical name, but this tree is also known as South American Locust, and Brazilian Copal.
Jatobá boasts one of the highest Janka ratings available at roughly 2800 Lbf (pounds-force), over double Red Oak’s rating. Because of this durability, Jatobá is used in many different fields. In addition to hardwood flooring, products are produced as furniture and in construction. The exotic coloring makes it a popular choice for any application in your home. It actually takes the role of the most imported from Brazil to the United States. Coloring crosses the spectrum from salmon pink and light brown in the heartwood, to a darker, streaked reddish-brown that darkens with exposure to sunlight, as so many woods do. Needless to say, the unique coloring adds to its appeal. Jatobá stands out as one of the more beautiful flooring products available today.
Popularity: 25% [?]
