Rosewood

a commercial name given to the timber obtained from several trees belonging to the pea family. They are closely related to the locusts and the mimosas. One rosewood is obtained in the East Indies. The chief rosewood of commerce, however, comes from the Amazon Valley. It is a hard, durable, rich wood, of a dark reddish color with resinous veinings. It is capable of taking a high polish and is much used in the manufacture of piano cases and other furniture. When first cut, it gives off a faint rose odor, whence the name. See Locust; Mimosa