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Trade or Common
Name: Trebol, macacauba, or macawood
Local Name: Cristobal
Botanical Name: Platymiscium spp.
Family: Papilionaceae, syn. Fabaceae
The Tree: Trebol is a
medium-sized to large canopy tree, up to 100 feet in height in the natural rainforest,
with trunk diameters of up to 3 feet, with a clear, straight, cylindrical bole to 60 feet
above a buttress. Trebol is leguminous or nitrogen-fixing.
Status: Because of the great
beauty and high value of its wood, trebol has been heavily
exploited and is now in danger of extinction outside of national parks and preserves. It
is listed as threatened in "Arboles Maderables en Peligro de Extinción en Costa
Rica."
The Wood: Trebol is a
beautiful wood, ranging in color from bright mahogany red to reddish brown, with handsome
irregular figuring, sometimes with streaks of light or pinkish brown. It is hard and
strong, with a uniform medium texture, and a medium to high luster. Trebol works easily,
finishes smoothly, takes a high polish, and responds well to hand tools. It glues, nails
and screws well, and is rated highly durable.
Uses: Trebol is used for fine
furniture and cabinetry, decorative veneers, flooring, musical instruments, turnery,
joinery and specialty items such as violin bows and billiard cues.
Availability: We grow trebol
trees only as part of our Premium
Mixture.
How to order trees
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