Tropical Walnut is perhaps the best name for this species, since it is a walnut variety, but not always from Peru. ''Nogal'' is often used, and is simply Spanish for walnut. The heartwood is usually darker than our familiar black walnut, and sometimes has a purplish cast with bands of lighter brown within the heartwood. Like black walnut, it is quite easy to work, and stains and finishes nicely. It even has a similar savory aroma.