Characteristics: This exotic and imported hardwood is a rare tropical hardwood with a snakeskin like appearance. It sometimes is spotty like leopard spots or speckled with peculiar markings. The heartwood is basically red-brown with black speckles and also sometimes with black vertical stripes. Snakewood is hard and heavy.

Common Uses: Snakewood is also called letterwood or leopard wood. It is used for many turning projects. It is also used for walking sticks - pen and pencil kits - umbrella handles - drumsticks - fishing rod butts - knife handles - violin bows and other fancy trinkets.

Working Properties: Snakewood is fairly difficult to work. Tools must be sharp. It is hard to cut, but turns very well. Snakewood finishes smoothly. Gluing is difficult.

Common Name: Snakewood

Tree is Native To: Central and Tropical South America.

Botanical Classification: Pitatinera guianensis

Family: Moraceae

Average Dried Weight: 81 to 93 lb/ft.

Average Specific Gravity: 1.10 to 1.30