In recent years, Burmese rosewood has gained popularity among redwood enthusiasts due to its warm, jade-like color and excellent cost-performance ratio. However, in the current non-standard mahogany furniture market, some unscrupulous manufacturers are using substandard materials to pass off as genuine Burmese rosewood. As a result, consumers need to be vigilant when making purchases.
Today, we’ll take a closer look at the wood species that are most commonly mistaken for Burmese rosewood. This information is crucial for anyone looking to identify authentic pieces and avoid being deceived.
[Image: A close-up of Burmese rosewood showing its unique grain pattern]
According to national standards, large-fruit rosewood (often confused with Burmese rosewood) has a porous structure with semi-annual rings that are quite noticeable. Its heartwood ranges from orange-red to brick red or purple-red, often featuring dark streaks. When scratched, it leaves visible marks. The water extract from the wood is light yellow-brown and exhibits weak or no fluorescence.
The tube holes are larger near the growth rings, though the proportion of these areas is smaller compared to other species. Yellow deposits are often found inside the holes. Axial parenchyma is clearly visible to the naked eye, mainly appearing in concentric layers, wing-shaped, or thin lines (1–4 cells wide). The wood fibers have thick walls, and the wood rays can be seen under a magnifying glass. Wavy patterns are either slightly or very obvious under magnification, and the ray tissue appears in single columns.
This wood has a rich aroma, fine texture, and a staggered grain pattern. Its air-dried density ranges from 0.80 to 0.86 g/cm³.
There are several wood species that are often mistaken for large-flowered red sandalwood (Burmese rosewood):
1. **African Pear**
Commonly known as "red pear" or "Indian rosewood," this wood is sometimes mistakenly believed to be African rosewood. It has a weak scent, and the fresh cut heartwood is blood red. Its air-dried density is lighter, ranging from 0.64 to 0.72 g/cm³. The axial thin-walled tissue is well-developed, and the string figure is band-like and thick.
2. **Angola Rosewood**
Also known as "high cotton pear," this wood entered the Guangdong market in 1997. It is similar to Burmese rosewood but has a weaker fragrance and lower density (0.51–0.72 g/cm³). It also has more 2–3 rows of rays.
3. **Gu Yi Su Mu**
Known as "Hongguibao" or "Brazil Pear" on the market, this wood is often confused with pears from Brazil. The main difference is the lack of the distinct rosewood aroma.
4. **Apiar**
Belonging to the Sumac family, this wood has scattered pores and single or double tube holes. Its heartwood is reddish-brown with dark gum inside the tube holes. It has a strong resemblance to rosewood but lacks the characteristic fragrance.
5. **Ganba Bean**
This wood has pink or brick-red heartwood that turns orange-brown over time. It has yellow-brown stripes and loose pore structures. The air-dried density is higher, around 0.85–0.93 g/cm³.
6. **Big Gan Croton**
With dark red to chocolate-colored heartwood and pink stripes, this wood is often mistaken for rosewood. It has a similar density but lacks the signature rosewood scent.
7. **Burmese Red Paint**
Part of the lacquer family, this wood has a very clear heartwood with dark stripes. It contains radial tree gums and has a density similar to that of lacquer trees.
8. **Rubber Paint Tree**
Also known as "Renqi paint" or "Nanyang paint," this wood has bright red to deep reddish-brown heartwood with black stripes. It has no strong odor and is often sold under misleading names like "Nepal rosewood."
9. **Wooden Pods**
From the legume family, this wood has a reddish-brown heartwood with an oily texture. It has elliptical tube holes and dark gum deposits. Its air-dried density is relatively high, ranging from 1.05 to 1.23 g/cm³.
The key differentiator between these imitations and real Burmese rosewood is the unique and distinctive fragrance of the genuine wood. Consumers should always rely on both visual inspection and scent when purchasing. By understanding these differences, buyers can make more informed decisions and avoid falling for fake products.
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