Family: Luguminosae
Origin: Morado is widely distributed throughout tropical America but is most abundant in Brazil.
Other common names: Caviuna, pau ferro, capote, siete cueros, cascarón, chiche, tuseque, jacarandá and jacarandá pardo.
The tree: Morado is a medium sized tree averaging between 55 to 65 ft..
Appearance: There is considerable variance in color and markings from tree to tree, but generally the heartwood is brown to dark violet-brown with darker streaks and is rather waxy. The sapwood is white, gray or yellow. The grain is straight to irregular with a fine to coarse texture and a medium to high luster.
Density: It is a fairly hard wood. Average reported specific gravity varies from 0.65 to 0.75(ovendry weight/green volume), equal to an air-dried weight of 49 to 57 pcf. Janka hardness is 1780 pounds of force.
Drying & shrinkage: Careful drying is necessary due to the high risk of checking. Average reported shrinkage values (green to ovendry) are 2.6% radial, 6.6% tangential and 10.0% volumetric.
Working properties: Morado is generally a fairly easy wood to work with hand and machine tools although inertlocking grain poses problems with cutting, shaping and planing. High oil content of the wood can make gluing difficult. Possible adverse reactions from the dust and wood include contact dermatitis and allergic reactions.
Durability: It is rated as a fairly durable wood. The heartwood is highly resistant to attack by decay fungi.
Uses: Morado is primarily used as an alternative to Brazilian rosewood although it is also recognized for its own unique characteristics. Uses include fine furniture, decorative veneers, turnery, specialty items and cabinetmaking.