Pau Ferro ranges in color from a reddish/orange to a dark violet/brown color, usually with contrasting darker black streaks. The sapwood is a pale yellow colors the grain is straight, sometimes slightly irregular or interlocked, and it has a fine even texture. The wood has a high natural lustre. The end grain is diffuse-porous. Pau Ferro is rated as very durable in regards to decay. It is fair to work with but does have a blunting effect on cutters. The wood does pose its own set of gluing challenges but it turns and finishes well.