Tahuarí

Meet the Tahuarí tree (Handroanthus obscurus), a resilient gem of the Amazon rainforest. Standing up to 18 meters tall, this small but mighty tree calls the lush riparian forests of South America home, thriving in the buffer zones between land and water. Known commercially as ipê and often confused with its cousins in the Tabebuia and Roseodendron genera, this tree has earned the nickname “the new Big Leaf Mahogany,” thanks to its skyrocketing timber value.

Ipê wood is a marvel of nature—dense, durable, and strikingly beautiful. Its heartwood ranges from yellowish brown to dark olive and is resistant to fungi, termites, and even soil contact, it’s no wonder ipê has become a top choice for outdoor projects. From decking and bridges to railway sleepers and even musical instruments, its uses are as varied as its admirers.

Despite its versatility, ipê faces mounting challenges. Like other species in its genus, it’s a slow-growing heliophyte, meaning it thrives in sunny spots with minimal competition. These traits, combined with the rising demand for its wood, leave the species vulnerable to overexploitation. Between 2011 and 2015, 271,000 m² of sawn ipê wood were exported by ITTO members, a staggering figure that underscores the pressure on these trees. Unfortunately, with limited population data and a last assessment in 2021, the full extent of its decline remains unclear.