Macacauba has a heartwood which is highly variable ranging from bright red to darker reddish brown or purplish brown. Hormigo Negro is the species for darker pieces and Hormigo Rojo for the orangish red pieces. The grain is straight to interlocked and it has a medium to fine texture. The wood gives off a high natural lustre.mthe end grain is diffuse-porous. Macacauba is rated as durable to very durable in regards to decay. It is good to work with and turns and glues well. The wood is able to take a very high natural polish.