Wood Information
Goncalo Alves; Family: Anacardiaceae
Common Names: Palo de cera, Palo de culebra (Mexico), Gusanero (Colombia),
Gateado (Venezuela), Guarita (Brazil), Guasango (Ecuador).
Distribution: Goncalo Alves is a common tree in the upland forests of many regions
from Mexico and Central America through to Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, and Ecuador.
The Tree: Attains diameters of 24 to 40 in. or more and a maximum height of 120 ft.
Except for narrow buttress flanges 4 to 6 ft tall, it has a clear cylindrical trunk for two
thirds or more of its height. The logs are typically sound throughout.
The Wood: When fresh, the heartwood is russet brown, orange brown, or reddish
brown to red with narrow to wide irregular stripes of medium to very dark brown. After
exposure it becomes brown, red, or dark reddish brown with nearly black stripes. The
dingy grayish or brownish-white sapwood, 2 to 4 in. wide, is sharply demarcated. Grain
variable, straight to roey; texture fine to medium, uniform; no distinctive odor or taste.
The wood often has a striking figure caused by irregular dark longitudinal bands.
Uses: Among the most outstanding heavy, durable construction timbers, also highly
favored as a fine furniture and cabinet wood. Cut for decorative veneers. It is used for
specialty items such as knife handles, brush backs, archery bows, billiard cue butts,
turnery, and carving.  
Harding Pens and Woodturnings
Wood Information