Imbuia (Brazilian Walnut)

Imbuia (Ocotea porosa) is a Brazilian species sometimes sold under the name “Brazilian Walnut” — worth noting that despite the name, it isn’t botanically related to true Walnut (Juglans species) at all. The nickname comes from a similarity in colour and figure rather than any shared ancestry, so if you’re chasing genuine Walnut for a matching project, this isn’t a substitute.Colour and character: Imbuia has a warm, olive-brown to golden heartwood, often with attractive figure and a fine, even texture. It’s a moderately dense timber that machines well and takes a fine polish, giving it a look that’s genuinely distinctive rather than a straight stand-in for another species.What it’s good forImbuia has traditionally been used for fine furniture, cabinetry and decorative joinery, and it turns well too, making it a good option for craftspeople after something a little less common on the lathe. It’s not a timber we see in large volume, so it tends to suit smaller, considered pieces rather than large-scale furniture runs.Stock of Imbuia is limited and varies — this is a specialty, lower-volume species for us, so if you’re after it specifically, we’d genuinely recommend calling ahead to check exactly what we have on hand before making the trip or placing an order.We’ve been a specialty timber merchant since 1969, and part of that means carrying a few less common species like Imbuia for customers after something distinctive. Call our Mulgrave yard on 02 4577 5277 to check current availability, or order online where stock allows.