This species is found in Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua as well as the southern extremes of Mexico. As with all rosewoods it is a member of the 'Dalbergia' species.

The heartwood displays a range of colors including rich red, with orange and yellow streaks and zones along with blacks and browns. It is very hard, dense and heavy and has straight grain, which is sometimes interlocked and can be irregular and variable. It usually has a fine, uniform texture.