Tulipwood
Tulipwood (not to be confused with American Tulip Poplar) is the Dalbergia family's most visually outrageous member — streaked with pink, salmon, red, and cream in patterns that look airbrushed. It's scarce, CITES-regulated, and expensive. Like all Dalbergias the dust is a serious sensitizer. Most use is in marquetry and small turned objects where a little material creates maximum visual impact.
- Confusing it with American Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) — completely different species, family, and appearance; Brazilian tulipwood is exotic, expensive, and vibrantly colored
- Attempting to glue without prep — Dalbergia oils prevent adhesion; clean all surfaces with acetone before any glue-up
- Buying large quantities unseen — color and striping pattern vary enormously between billets; buy in person or from reputable sources with photos
Pale cream to yellowish-white background with vivid salmon, pink, and red streaks. One of the most colorful naturally occurring woods in the world. The striped pattern is unmistakable.
Hard, heavy, and demanding to work. Natural Dalbergia oils inhibit gluing — thorough solvent prep is essential. Typically only available in small billets due to tree size. The exceptional color usually justifies the extra effort.
| Region | Availability |
|---|---|
| North America | Rare / not commonly imported |
| Europe | Rare / not commonly imported |
| South America | Specialty importers only |
| Southeast Asia | Specialty importers only |
| Africa / Middle East | Rare / not commonly imported |
| Australia / NZ | Rare / not commonly imported |