Range
Endemic to eastern Brazil, native stands are still found in the states of Pernambuco, Bahia, Espirito Santo and Rio de Janerio (2); the pau brasil is also often cultivated as an ornamental or park tree (2).
Habitat
The pau brasil is found in the threatened Atlantic Coastal Forest of Brazil (4) and in various habitats associated with this area, from dry coastal cactus scrub and rocky outcrops, to tropical deciduous forest and sandy restinga forest (2).