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Trade or Common Name: Goncalo
alves
Local Name: Ron-ron
Botanical Name: Astronium graveolens
Family: Anacardiaceae
The Tree: Goncalo alves is a
large canopy tree, sometimes reaching 120 feet in height in the natural rainforest, with a
trunk 3 feet in diameter. The tree has a clear, straight cylindrical bole for two-thirds
or more of its height, above a small buttress.
Status: Goncalo alves has
been heavily exploited because of its great beauty. It is now rare outside of the
protection of national parks, and is listed as threatened in "Arboles Maderables en
Peligro de Extinción en Costa Rica."
The Wood: Goncalo alves
ranges in color from light to reddish brown to deep mahogany red-brown with a striking
figure created by beautiful, bold, brown to nearly black irregular markings or striping.
The texture is fine to medium and uniform, with a fine grain, varying from straight to
interlocked and wavy. In spite of its high density, goncalo alves turns readily, carves
well, finishes very smoothly, and takes a beautiful natural polish. The wood is rated
highly durable and has strength values considerably higher than any well-known U.S.
species.
Uses: Among the most
outstanding and attractive woods, goncalo alves is highly prized for its outstanding
beauty. It is used for fine furniture and cabinetry, carving, turnery such as bowls and
trays, specialty items such as knife handles, brush backs, and archery bows, and for
decorative and figured veneers.
Availability: We grow goncalo
alves trees only as part of our Premium Mixture.
How to order trees
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