Paubrasilia echinata

Brazilwood, a reference photo
Photo: Der Kolonist · CC BY 2.5 (licence)

Paubrasilia echinata is a species of flowering plant in the legume family, Fabaceae, that is endemic to the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. It is a Brazilian timber tree commonly known as brazilwood (pau-brasil; Tupi: ybyrapytanga) and is the national tree of Brazil. This plant has a dense, orange-red heartwood that takes a high shine, and it is the premier wood used for making bows for stringed instruments. The wood also yields a historically important red dye called brazilin, which oxidizes to brazilein.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it poisonous?

We have no record of Brazilwood being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.

Easily confused with

Classification

Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Tracheophyta
Class
Magnoliopsida
Order
Fabales
Family
Fabaceae
Species
Paubrasilia echinata

Found one? Take a photo and B.inomen will suggest what it is, free.

Check your photo

More species