Brosimum guianense (syn.: Brosimum tessmannii Mildbr., Piratinera guianensis Aubl.), also known as letter wood or speckled wood, is a South American tree belonging to the mulberry family (Moraceae). Its wood, characterized by a distinctive pattern and extreme hardness, is used for making musical instruments among other things. Snakewood is found in area extending from eastern Brazil through Central America to Mexico. Some of the largest concentrations are in Surinam and Guyana. Wood obtained from Brosimum guianense is fine-pored, reddish brown and distinguished by its blackish radial stripes, which give a snakeskin-like appearance. Snakewood is one of the hardest, most abrasion-resistant, most expensive timbers in the world. Main uses include specialist woodturning applications such as umbrella and walking stick handles; billiard cues or buttons as well as for musical instruments, particularly bows for string instruments.