Primavera (Tabebuia donnell- smithii)

Primavera is an imported hardwood

Location

The natural distribution of primavera (Tabebuia donnell-smithii [=Cybistax donnell-smithii]) is restricted to southwestern Mexico, the Pacific coast of Guatemala and El Salvador, and north-central Honduras. Primavera is regarded as one of the primary light-colored woods, but its use has been limited because of its rather restricted range and relative scarcity of naturally grown trees. Recent plantations have increased the availability of this species and have provided a more constant source of supply. The quality of the plantation- grown wood is equal in all respects to the wood obtained from naturally grown trees.

Characteristics

The heartwood is whitish to straw-yellow, and in some logs, it may be tinted with pale brown or pinkish streaks. The texture is medium to rather coarse, and the grain is straight to wavy, which produces a wide variety of figure patterns. The wood also has a very high luster. Shrinkage is rather low, and the wood shows a high degree of dimensional stability. Despite considerable grain variation, primavera machines remarkably well. The density of air-dried wood is 465 kg/m3 (29 lb/ft3), and the wood is comparable in strength with water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica). Resistance to both brown- and white-rot fungi varies. Weathering characteristics are good.

Primary Uses

The dimensional stability, ease of working, and pleasing appearance make primavera a suitable choice for solid furniture, paneling, interior woodwork, and special exterior uses.

*Much of the base wood information presented here is made available by the USDA FPL FS. If you are interested in a much more technical description of wood properties, I encourage you to visit the source.