Jatoba and Zebrawood
From equatorial western Africa, Zebrawood is usually logged by hand with a hundred men or more on mountain slopes. One of the most appealing features of Zebra is the exotic appearance of the colorful grain. Black & golden lines make this an excellent choice for many projects. For ease in finishing, use a sanding sealer to seal the open pores. Zebra has interlocking grain that can produce beautiful iridescence in quartersawn boards! The wood is prone to checking and twisting if not properly cared for. Uses include: furniture, cabinets, architectural applications (veneer), turned articles, rifle stocks, and boxes. Known as Jatoba in Brazil, Brazilian Cherry is a large tree with white blossoms above the rainforest canopy; these scattered trees are a remarkable sight when flying over at a low altitude. Generally, trees grow in a range from Southern Mexico to South/Central Brazil. Jatoba is dense and durable and has become a favorite for flooring and cabinet manufacturing. Rich, warm coloration varies with combinations of reds, golden browns, and green streaks that are more pronounced than American Cherry. There are usually interesting patterns in the wood as well. Jatoba is denser than American cherry by 30% which is great for turners wanting a natural high polish and a bowl that will not dent as easily as American Cherry.