Blood wood has a very distinct heartwood which is a bright, vivid red. The color will darken to a darker brownish red over time with exposure to light. The sapwood is a pale yellowish color. The grain is usually straight and has a fine texture. The wood gives off a good natural lustre. The end grain is diffuse-porous. Bloodwood is very durable in regards to decay and is resistant to most insect attacks. This wood is extremely dense and has a pronounced blunting effect on cutters.