In my neighborhood they took down a rather large old tree. I have seen trees of this kind around but never knew what it was. From talking to the tree guys, it turns out to be a “Bishop wood” – Bischofia javanica – native to Southeast Asia but planted all over south Florida as a landscape tree. Apparently, it grows pretty fast but it is quite hard and dense. The color is quite remarkable, particularly the color of the sawdust. I cut some nice billets but have to see if the red color holds on drying. Even if most of the red fades it will still be a warm rich brown, and very heavy and stiff. Should make some nice back and sides.
