Gonçalo Alves, commonly known as Tigerwood, is a striking tropical hardwood sourced from several species within the Astronium genus, most notably Astronium fraxinifolium and Astronium graveolens. Native to Central and South America, from Mexico through to Brazil, it has long been admired for its dramatic natural colouring and durability.

The heartwood of Gonçalo Alves ranges from warm reddish brown to deep chocolate tones, marked by bold, irregular streaks of darker brown or black. These contrasting markings give rise to the name Tigerwood. Sapwood is pale and clearly defined, providing strong visual contrast when present. With time and exposure, the heartwood deepens in colour and develops a rich, natural lustre even in less figured sections.

The grain is typically wavy or interlocked, though straight grained material can occur. Its texture is fine and uniform, contributing to a smooth finish when polished. The wood is naturally dense and hard, yet it works reasonably well with care, particularly when sharp tools are used. Figured areas can present challenges during planing, but the timber turns, finishes, and polishes to a high standard.

Gonçalo Alves is noted for its strength, stiffness, and excellent resistance to wear and decay. It performs well in environments subject to moisture and changes in temperature, which has made it suitable for both structural and decorative applications. Its natural oils reduce moisture absorption, enhancing longevity but occasionally complicating glue adhesion.

Historically and in modern use, Gonçalo Alves has been favoured for fine furniture, veneers, cabinetry, and flooring, as well as smaller crafted objects such as turned items, handles, and decorative components. Its bold appearance made it particularly desirable where visual impact and durability were equally important.

While widely available compared to some other tropical hardwoods, the quality and degree of figure can vary depending on origin and growing conditions. Well figured examples are especially sought after for high quality furniture and decorative work, where the distinctive striped character of Gonçalo Alves can be fully appreciated.