Primavera

Botanical Name

Cybistax Donnell-Smithii

Other Common Names

Duranga, San Juan, Palo blanco , Cortez, Cortez blanco, Roble

Region

Central America

The Tree

Attains a height of 100 ft, commonly with trunk diameters of 2 to 3 ft, occasionally 4. Bole is clear and smooth 24 to 40 ft. The sap in Primavera rises and falls with the Moon rather than with the seasons. The tree should be felled in the “Dark of the Moon”.

Appearance

Usually ranges from a pale cream color to a golden yellow. Color tends to darken and redden with age. Can exhibit a ribbon-like chatoyant grain pattern.

Properties

Grain usually ranges from straight to slightly interlocked. Medium texture and medium sized pores, with a naturally high luster.

Working Properties

Although Primavera frequently has interlocked and irregular grain, it is overall quite easy to work: most likely on account of its rather low density compared to other hardwoods. It does, however, have a moderate blunting effect on cutting edges, turns, glues, stains, and finishes well.

Uses

Veneer, furniture, cabinetry, and interior trim.

Availability

Primavera is commonly sold in both lumber and veneer form. Prices should be in the mid-range for imported lumber.