Origin of Brazil's Name: Brazilwood

Named for a Tree

Brazil is named after the Brazilwood tree (Paubrasilia echinata), called pau-brasil in Portuguese.

Historical Sequence

1. 1500: Portuguese arrive; find abundant brazilwood along coast.
2. Wood yields valuable red dye for European textile industry.
3. "Terra do Brasil" (Land of Brazilwood) becomes common name.
4. Eventually applied to the entire colony and later the nation.

Economic Impact

Brazilwood was the first major export, driving early colonization and trade.