Pau Rosa
(Swartzia fistuloides)
Pau rosa is a very dense wood that grows in eastern and central Africa. It is also seen in Tanzania. The specific gravity of this tree ranges from .8 to 1.0 . Most pieces are very dense. Color ranges from a dark purple red to light orange red with contrasting streaks. It is considered difficult to carve, but gives good results. Use very sharp tools when turning or cutting. Grain is moderately coarse, but takes a great polish. This is not a common wood, and we have found few opportunities to get it. It is difficult to dry and cracks easily during drying. Seems quite stable after drying. Our pieces are dried.
