Lesser-Known Species: Alternatives to Commercially Demanded Woods
International Floors & Decks
Morado, from Bolivia, offers an alternative to Brazilian rosewood.
Q: Anything else you would like to share with us?
A: Lesser-Known Species from FSC certified forests can offer companies cost-effective, aesthetically attractive and high performing replacements for species that are commercially in-demand. This has obvious business benefits and less obvious but highly significant environmental benefits.
For more information, contact Amy Smith, World Wildlife Fund: amy.smith@wwfus.org
[includes information on the key mechanical and physical properties and potential suitability of 75 LKS from Central and West Africa, Central and South America and Southeast Asia. It also shows the FSC availability of these LKS from GFTN producer participants.]
Q: Describe some of the Lesser-Known Species that have been identified in the GFTN Guide as viable alternatives to species in high commercial demand?
A: Garapa (Apuleia leiocarpa) is an attractive, durable, workable and moderately stable alternative for decking and rain screen. This species is found in abundance in the Amazon and can be used to replace species like ipe or cumaru, which have long growth cycles. GFTN Bolivia and Peru participants offer FSC certified garapa, which ensures the buyer that the wood comes from a responsibly managed forest.
The species known as "tigerwood" or "zebrawood" (Astronium spp.) is a great option for making an architectural statement. This striking and durable LKS from Central and South America is used for flooring, decking, cabinetry, furniture and rain screen and can provide an alternative to ebony (Diospyros spp.), a species that is listed on CITES Appendix II, which places certain restrictions on its trade. GFTN participants in Panama offer tigerwood/zebrawood harvested from FSC certified forests.
Another species to consider is "morado" (Machaerium scleroxylon) from Bolivia that offers an alternative to the much sought-after Brazilian rosewood (Dalbergia nigra), a CITES Appendix I species, which means it is illegal to trade. Often referred to as Bolivian Rosewood, morado is a very durable wood that can be found in a dark violet brown with beautiful dark brown stripes and streaks. In addition to use in high end furniture, in recent years morado has been a popular choice for guitar manufacturers as a wonderful fingerboard wood, as it is stable, abrasion resistant and attractive. FSC-certified morado is available from GFTN Bolivia participants.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good alternative to ipe or cumaru for decking?+
Garapa (Apuleia leiocarpa) is an attractive, durable, workable and moderately stable alternative for decking and rain screen. It is abundant in the Amazon and is available FSC-certified from GFTN participants in Bolivia and Peru.
What wood can replace ebony for flooring and furniture?+
Tigerwood or zebrawood (Astronium spp.) from Central and South America is a striking and durable alternative to ebony (Diospyros spp.), which is listed on CITES Appendix II. It is used for flooring, decking, cabinetry, furniture and rain screen, and is available FSC-certified from GFTN participants in Panama.
What is a legal alternative to Brazilian rosewood?+
Morado (Machaerium scleroxylon) from Bolivia, often called Bolivian Rosewood, is a legal alternative to Brazilian rosewood (Dalbergia nigra), which is a CITES Appendix I species illegal to trade. Morado is a very durable wood with a dark violet brown color and dark brown stripes and streaks.
Why is morado popular with guitar manufacturers?+
Morado has become a popular choice as a guitar fingerboard wood because it is stable, abrasion resistant and attractive. FSC-certified morado is available from GFTN Bolivia participants.
What are the benefits of using Lesser-Known Species from FSC-certified forests?+
Lesser-Known Species from FSC-certified forests can provide cost-effective, aesthetically attractive and high-performing replacements for commercially in-demand species. This delivers both business benefits and significant environmental benefits.
Where can buyers find information on Lesser-Known Species alternatives?+
The GFTN Guide includes information on key mechanical and physical properties and potential suitability of 75 Lesser-Known Species from Central and West Africa, Central and South America and Southeast Asia. It also shows FSC availability of these species from GFTN producer participants.