Pau Ferro (Machaerium scleroxylon), also called Morado or Bolivian Rosewood, belongs to the same leguminosae family as rosewood. It is a dense, easily working wood from central and South America. It appears light brown and dark brown to purplish tan in colour and is streaked with brown or black figure. It takes a beautiful natural polish, is extremely close-grained and has ouststanding working properties. Pau ferro was introduced to the market as a substitute for brazilian rosewood, but is now considered a valuable wood on its own merits and is most often used for architectural woodworking, knife handles and high-end furniture.
