jatoba

Jatoba, scientifically Hymenaea courbaril, is a tropical hardwood tree in the legume family (Fabaceae). It is native to tropical Central and South America, including parts of Mexico, the Caribbean, and Brazil, where it grows in lowland and lower montane forests. The tree can reach a tall stature with a robust trunk and a dark, fissured bark. Leaves are pinnate; flowers are small and inconspicuous. The fruit is a curved pod that ripens to yellow-brown and contains several large seeds.

In commerce, jatoba wood is valued for its extreme hardness, density, and durability. The heartwood has a reddish-brown tone and strong resistance to decay and insect attack, making it suitable for heavy-duty flooring, decking, exterior cladding, cabinetry, and turnery. The timber is dense and can be difficult to work and dry; proper milling and conditioning are important to minimize warping or checking.

Ecology and management: Jatoba occurs across a broad swath of tropical forests and plays a role as a canopy species in parts of its range. Because of high timber demand, it has been subject to logging pressures in some areas. Sustainable harvesting, certification programs, and national regulations exist in several countries to govern extraction and trade.

Other notes: The fruit pulp is edible in some local traditions, and seeds or seed pods may be used in crafts or traditional practices. Common names include jatoba, courbaril, and Brazilian cherry. The species is sometimes confused with other Hymenaea species in commercial timber markets.