Greenheart is currently a threatened specie of evergreen that grows in South & Central America; by definition it is a softwood, but it is very hard and durable which is why it was used for the decks in rail cars; the regular bolt hole pattern creates visual interest in a palette of brown, tan and gold toned wood; the fine grain flows smoothly from one board to another and there is very little character aside from the intense hole pattern; it is a great wood for commercial, retail or restaurants.