Dec 2003 - Another piece of wood bought on the internet, this wood is reported to be native to tropical South America, especially northeastern Brazil. The tree is rather small, often with an irregular trunk. Tulipwood is described as heavy, hard, compact, fissile, and splintery. It is usually marketed in the form of small logs or billets, and is primarily used for decorative purposes. Tulipwood is reported to be a familiar wood to cabinetmakers and was a popular timber for the manufacture of French furniture.