We have been told all through our research that “Guanandi” is the perfect substitute for Mahogany, Cedar or Teak, especially when the money issue is the most important aspect. However, we do not fully agree with it. We would like to present “Guanandi” as being another alternative for these woods and not as a substitute. “Guanandi” has characteristics and beauty of its own. According to the “Wood: sustainable use in the construction industry” manual, the selecting and specification process of the most suitable wood for each use must take into account several possible similar alternatives, showing similar features to traditional species, but one does not replace the other.
Federal Statutes prohibit extraction of the remaining Brazilian Mahogany. There is a little Mahogany left in México, Bolivia, Peru and Central America but its largest reserves are located in the Amazon and are expected to be of 800 million cubic feet. Its planting is damaged in the whole world because of a plague that decomposes the tree point, causing the three to grow crooked, lowering its trade value. |
 |
Teak is a native tree of the southwestern Asian rainforests. Its planting was introduced in Brazil in 1971 and today, because of its success, there are no doubts regarding its being a good choice in foresting. It can be eventually used in foresting along with “Guanandi”, if studies point to this direction. |
 |