Black poisonwood
Captured from the historical species datasheet.
At a glance
Scientific nameMetopium brownei
Trade / common nameBlack poisonwood
FamilyAnacardiaceae
RegionCaribbean · Central America · Western Europe · North America
Distribution
The species occurs in the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Jamaica, northern Guatemala, Belize, and from the Yucatan to Vera Cruz in Mexico. It is often found growing alongside Sapodilla (Manilkara zapota) in calcareous soils.
Uses
Boxes and crates, Bridge construction, Cabinetmaking, Chairs, Charcoal, Chests, Concealed parts (Furniture), Core Stock, Decorative veneer, Desks, Dining-room furniture, Domestic flooring, Dowell pins, Dowells, Drawer sides, Factory flooring, Figured veneer, Fine furniture, Floor lamps, Flooring, Furniture , Furniture components, Furniture squares ord>
Countries & Distribution
These country connections come directly from the same SQL country–species bridge used by Country Detail and the Global Navigator.
Wood images
Linked historical images associated with this species record.
Projects & Inspiration
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Project images are illustrative inspiration, not species-identification photographs. Suitability should be checked against the species data and project requirements.
Fine woodworkingDecorative detailsSmall crafted objects
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Project guidance can build on this species record, its properties and documented uses.
Appearance
Heartwood color
Historical source observations are shown separately; differences may reflect source, geography, test condition or publication.
Yellow
Brown
Orange
Red
Yellow to golden-yellow to orange
Reddish brown
The material has a slight tendency to check and warp during kiln-drying
Sapwood Color
Historical source observations are shown separately; differences may reflect source, geography, test condition or publication.
White
Yellow
Brown
Red
Pink
White to yellow
Well defined
Yellowish brue mahogany (Swietenia ). It is very decorative, when properly sawn, and is highly suitable for making fine furniture, cabinets, interior fittings and panelling
Luster
Historical source observations are shown separately; differences may reflect source, geography, test condition or publication.
Medium
Lustrous
Slightly lustrous
Pronounced
Golden luster
Uses & Applications
Common Uses
Boxes and crates, Bridge construction, Cabinetmaking, Chairs, Charcoal, Chests, Concealed parts (Furniture), Core Stock, Decorative veneer, Desks, Dining-room furniture, Domestic flooring, Dowell pins, Dowells, Drawer sides, Factory flooring, Figured veneer, Fine furniture, Floor lamps, Flooring, Furniture , Furniture components, Furniture squares ord>
Full Technical Species Profile
The public profile includes identification, distribution, linked imagery and selected public-facing species information. Sign in to use your membership access. The complete technical record is available with an eligible paid membership.
Protected technical content includes physical and mechanical properties, working and drying characteristics, durability data, detailed technical observations, references and methodology.