Hardwood species / wamara
Wamara
A dense, beautifully figured hardwood prized for strength, stability, and premium aesthetics.
Common Name(s)
Wamara, Guyana Rosewood, South American Ironwood (trade name)
Scientific Name
Swartzia leiocalycina, Swartzia spp.
Distribution
Guyana, Suriname, Northern Brazil
About Wamara
Wamara is a high-density tropical hardwood known for its striking appearance, exceptional durability, and impressive mechanical strength. Native to Guyana and the northern Amazon basin, Wamara is prized for its deep brown to purplish tones, fine texture, and dramatic grain patterns. Its density and hardness make it suitable for premium flooring, furniture, decorative slabs, and high-end millwork. Wamara offers excellent stability, resistance to wear, and long-term performance, making it a favourite for luxury woodworking and architectural applications.
Read the material
Key Attributes
Appearance
Colour
Dark brown to purplish-brown, often with dramatic streaking
Grain
Interlocked, sometimes wavy or highly figured
Texture
Fine and smooth
Density
Extremely heavy
Performance
Workability
Difficult (very dense + interlocked grain)
Durability
Exceptional
Stability
Excellent dimensional stability
Measured performance
Technical Information
Reference values from the Evergreen species catalogue. Talk with our team about your project conditions.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Janka Hardness | 2,800–3,200 lbf |
| Modulus of Rupture | 20,000–24,000 psi |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 2,300,000–2,700,000 psi |
| Density | 65–75 lbs/ft³ (avg ~70) |
| Crushing Strength | 11,000–13,500 psi |
| Shrinkage (Radial) | 4.5% |
| Shrinkage (Tangential) | 7.8% |
| Shrinkage (Volumetric) | 12.3% |
| T/R Ratio | 1.7 |
| Workability | Difficult (extreme density + interlocked grain) |
| Planing | Fair; tear-out possible |
| Sanding | Excellent |
| Finishing | Outstanding – takes oils and varnish beautifully |
| Stability | Excellent dimensional stability |
| Durability | Exceptional (decay, insects, wear) |
| Moisture Movement | Low |
Where it works best
Recommended Uses
Let’s build something lasting
Ready to start your project with Wamara?
Our team can help you choose the perfect dimensions and finish
Available Dimensions
- Thickness
- 1"-3"
- Width
- 4"-12"
- Length
- 8ft-16ft
- Grade
- Select, Prime, Rustic
- Milling
- Custom Milling Available
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