One of the most popular hardwoods in use today is the
Brazilian cherry wood, or as it is also know, Jatoba. This beautiful wood is renowned not only for its beauty, but also for its durability and hardness.
While the final product (whether flooring or furniture) often turns out absolutely stunning, this article wishes to focus on the tree's origins and characteristics.
First, this tree, which really isn't a cherry tree at all (despite its name), grows in the Caribbean, Central America, and Southern America regions.
Typically these canopy trees tend to reach a height of up to 120 feet. Additionally, the tree's truck circumference can reach a diameter of over six feet. Lastly, the Brazilian cherry tree's leaves possess little red flowers and small fruit. This fruit, after it matures and drops from the tree, releases an overwhelming pungent odor, which is very difficult to tolerate.
Over the centuries, this tree's wood, leaves, and fruits have been used in the alternative medicine realm. Specifically, it has been used to treat diarrhea and bronchitis. Additionally, people also feel that this tree has anti-fungal properties and have used it to treat fungal infections. Lastly, some people have mashed the leaves, flowers, and fruit to form a concoction that is supposed to give you an energy boost.
Besides, these medicinal purposes, the Brazilian cherry hardwood tree has also played a predominant role in the flooring and furniture businesses. Due to the wood's characteristics (durability and stiffness), as well as its aesthetically pleasing qualities, this tree's wood has become the most popular American import in terms of flooring and furniture.
Of course, due to the wood's hardness, carpenters and furniture makers sometimes have a difficult time working with the wood. Over the years, they have learned that if they steam the wood before they work with it, the wood becomes significantly more pliable, making their work easier.
Tom Jenkins owns the
Brazilian Cherry Flooring Guide. This website provides information on the various facets of Brazilian Cherry Flooring, from the characteristics of
Brazilian Cherry Hardwoods to how to choose the correct flooring.
