Caesalpinia (genus)

Genus containing 70-165 tropical and subtropical woody plants. In ancient and medieval times, the brazilwood was imported to Europe from the Middle East (Caesalpinia braziliensis and other species). Caesalpinia echinata (called pau-brasil in Portuguese) is indigenous to the Brazilian coast and played a role in the naming of that country; it was an important wood and dye export from South America beginning in the 17th century. Its hard, red-color wood is used for violins and high quality furniture. It accepts a high polish. The wood contains the colorant brasilin, a hydroxyanthraquinone, that gives a deep red to brownish color. Brazilwood dye, has been used for textile and leather dyes, inks, paints, varnish tints, and wood stains.