B. guianense, or snakewood, has a mottled snake-skin pattern, and is among the densest woods, with a very high stiffness; it was the wood of choice for making of bows for musical instruments of the violin family until the late 18th century, when it was replaced by the more easily worked brazilwood (Paubrasilia echinata). Plants of this genus are otherwise used for timber, building materials, and in a cultural context.
B. guianense, known as snakewood, features a mottled snake-skin pattern and is among the densest woods with high stiffness; it was previously favored for making bows used in violin instruments until the late 18th century when brazilwood (Paubrasilia echinata) became more readily available. Members of this genus are also utilized for timber, construction materials, and culturally.