Whether used in applications like decking, flooring, veneer, or mouldings and millwork, these wood species have the technical qualities and availability to meet the needs of architects, designers, manufacturers, and consumers, while helping to promote conservation efforts in Selva Maya.
US-based timber importer General Woodcraft has developed a niche presence with their Mataverde line of decking featuring Machiche wood. “We have been really pleased to connect with forest communities in Guatemala’s Maya Biosphere Reserve. The Machiche decking we source directly from the communities is a beautiful product that has really performed well in installations across the United States,” says Perry Alibrio, the Western Regional Manager for Mataverde Premium Exterior Solutions. “We know that our customers are glad to support the economic well-being of our partners and reward their excellent forest management.”
This beautiful and durable hardwood has many characteristics that are similar to Ipé hardwood. Machiche (Lonchocarpus spp.), sometimes called Mayan Cherry or Caribbean Cherry, has developed a reputation for being unmatched in bending strength. Machiche hardwood shines when used for outdoor applications, such as decking, siding, trim, furniture, and other projects.
The world has long looked to the Selva Maya for the specialized and beautiful wood necessary to build the finest guitars and other musical instruments. In fact, even today, much of the region’s prized mahogany production goes into musical instruments traded all over the world. But modern luthiers, charmed by the diverse offerings of the forest have introduced new lesser-known species into their musical instruments and the results are fabulous. One of the woods gaining traction for guitars is Ziricote.
Although guitars make up a fraction of the overall exotic wood market worldwide, PRS Guitars continually seeks alternative woods to incorporate into their guitar designs and production. “A major trend in the use of exotic woods for guitars is toward sustainability and diversity, as supplies of traditional guitar woods around the world are decreasing,” said Michael Reid from PRS Guitars’ Wood Purchasing Team. “Our willingness to look at non-traditional wood options, and the openmindedness of our customers when it comes to accepting new woods, will undoubtedly help to sustain us as we continue to move forward through the 21st century.”
SPOTLIGHT ON: PUCTE / JUCARO
SPECIES: Terminalia buceras (formerly Bucinda buceras)
ORIGIN: South and Central America
COMMON APPLICATIONS: Decking, flooring, exterior furniture, as well as well as posts, piles, and other heavy construction when used domestically.
CHARACTERISTICS / APPEARANCE: Heartwood color ranges from pale reddish brown to dark brown and commonly may have an olive hue. Depending on the darkness of the heartwood, the pale yellowish-brown sapwood may or may not be clearly demarcated. The wood has a fine to medium texture and a high natural luster. The grain is typically interlocked and frequently has longitudinal stripes as a result of roey grain. It can be challenging to work and glue because of the high density and irregular grain pattern.
JANKA HARDNESS SCALE: 1,970 lbf
COMMENTS: Sometimes called Caribbean Ipé, this wood is not related to true Ipe. It is known in areas where it grows as an extraordinarily durable wood.
Forescom, based in Flores, Guatemala, the gateway to the Maya Biosphere Reserve, is a forest services company owned by the region’s forest communities. Among the services they provide to the community is the production of value-added outdoor and garden products. “Our region’s species are stable and dense, making them excellent for outdoor furniture and garden items,” says Glyde Marquez, sales manager for the business. “We have found our local and international customers quite taken by the beauty of these wood species when the pieces are finished and delivered.” Pucte is one of the lesser-known woods they use to manufacture outdoor products.
SPOTLIGHT ON: MACHICHE / MAYAN CHERRY
SPECIES: Lonchocarpus spp.
ORIGIN: Central and South America
COMMON APPLICATIONS: Decking, flooring, exterior and interior furniture, as well as heavy construction in areas within its natural range.
CHARACTERISTICS / APPEARANCE: The heartwood varies from light brown to darker reddish brown. Machiche has distinctive patterns of thin, light-colored lines, somewhat similar to Padauk. The yellow sapwood is easily distinguished from the heartwood. The grain can be straight, irregular, or interlocked, with a coarse texture. Despite its high density, it’s typically easy to work. As in all cases of interlocked or irregular grain, care must be taken to avoid tear out. Machining results are generally good. Turns, glues, and finishes well.
JANKA HARDNESS SCALE: 2,700 lbf
COMMENTS: Machiche has a superb strength-to-weight ratio, particularly in its modulus of rupture (bending strength), and its compression strength parallel to the grain (crushing strength). It is generally quite durable and resistant to insect attack.
Learn More About Lesser-Known Wood Species of Selva Maya. English Resource | Spanish Resource
Learn More About Installation of Machiche Decking.
Learn More About Forescom’s Products and Initiatives Manufacturing Lesser-Known Woods.