Paubrasilia echinata (detail)

Paubrasilia echinata is the one and only species of the genus Paubrasilia. Endemic to the Eastern part of Brazil, it can be found in the Atlantic Forest between the states of Rio Grande do Norte and Rio de Janeiro. During the colonial period, the brazilwood was intensely exploited to produce the colorant “brazilin,” used to dye fabrics and manufacture inks for writing. Estimates point that more than two million trees have been logged, thus turning it into an endangered species.