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, or snakewood, displays a spotted snake-skin pattern and is among the densest woods with high stiffness; it was once used extensively in bow-making for musical instruments like violins until the late 18th century when brazilwood (Paubrasilia echinata) became more accessible. Members of this genus are also utilized for timber, construction materials, and culturally.