Caribbean Rosewood
Carribean Rosewood (Metopium brownei)
Common Names: Chechen, Chechem, Black Poisonwood, Caribbean Rosewood
Distribution: Dominican Republic, Cuba, Jamaica, Guatemala, Belize, Southeastern Mexico
Color/Appearance: Heartwood color is red, orange and brown with darker stripes of blackish brown. Sapwood is a pale yellow.
Janka Hardness: 2,250 lbf
Density: 5.17 lb/b.f.
Shrinkage: 1
Radial (thickness): 3.8%
Tangential (width): 6.8%,
Volumetric (total): 10.6%,
T/R Ratio (width to depth): 1.6
Allergies/Toxicity: 1 The most common reactions simply include eye and skin irritation.
Sustainability: CITES: no, IUCN: no
Common Uses: Veneer, furniture, cabinetry, flooring, turned objects, specialty wood items.