A Client-trusted Partner of Global Timble Supply Chain
MKG (Tabebuia serratiforlia & Tabebuia capitata)
Overview
Tabebuia serratifolia is a deciduous tropical tree in the Bignoniaceae family, reaching heights of up to 30 m, with a straight, cylindrical trunk often buttressed at the base.
Native across South and Central America, including Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, the Guianas, and extending as far north as Mexico, it thrives in diverse environments from well-drained rainforest soils to seasonal forests and cerrado regions up to 1200 m elevation. The tree bears palmately compound leaves with 3–7 serrated leaflets and blooms with vivid yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers often during the leafless phase in late winter or spring. Its strong, durable wood—commonly known as iPe or pau d’arco—exhibits exceptional resistance to decay, termites, and marine borers, used extensively for construction, railway sleepers, and boating. The bark contains bioactive compounds such as lapachol and quercetin, historically used in traditional medicine for anti‑fungal, anti‑inflammatory, and antimicrobial purposes.
| Species | MKG (*Tabebuia serratiforlia & Tabebuia capitata) |
| Origin | South America |
| Grade | AIC |
| Thickness | 18mm to 300mm |
| Width | 40mm to 300mm |
| Length | 4m to 8m |
| Drying | KD, AD |
Description & Distribution
MKG (often traded under codes like Ipe) is a dense, ultra-durable hardwood native to the tropical forests of Central and South America. Known for its rich brown to olive-green heartwood and fine, tight grain, Ipe offers exceptional resistance to decay, insects, and weathering. Its outstanding strength and hardness make it a preferred choice for heavy-duty outdoor applications such as decking, flooring, and exterior furniture.
Distribution: Ipe trees grow naturally across a wide range, including Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela, and the Guianas, thriving in tropical lowland and montane forests with well-drained soils.
Physical Characteristics
Crushing Strength: 75–85 MPa
Specific Gravity (at 12% MC): 0.85 to 0.95g/cm3
Stability : Stable
Static bending strength: 140–160 MPa
Durability and resistance
Dry Wood Borers : Class D - Durable
Fungi: Class 1 - Very durable
Termites: Class D - Durable
Treatability: Poor
Typical Applications
● Industrial and parquet flooring
● Cabinets
● Sleepers
● Stairs
● Furniture,
● Naval construction
● Hydraulic works
● Interior and exterior joinery
Obtain product information
* Note: Please be sure to fill in the information accurately and keep communication open, we will contact you as soon as possible
Contact
Address
Unit 1405a 14/F, The Belgian Bank Building, Nos. 721-725 Nathan Road, Mongkok, Kln, Hong Kong