Botanical name:    Clathrotropis spp.

Family:   Papilionaceae

Vernacular name (Guyana):    Aromata

International trade name:   Aromata

 

Wood Appearance

Pinkish-brown to dark-brown with lighter streaks. Has a waxy feel and the wood is

well defined. The texture is moderately coarse and the grain straight. The bole is 12-15m in length

(flattened) with a diameter of 40-50(-60) cm.

 

Physical and Mechanical Properties

Aromata is very hard, tough and strong. Moderate movement. Satisfactory mechanical strength.

• Air dried density (12%) - 960kg/m3

• Bending strength (at 12%) - 153 N/mm2

• Modulus of elasticity (at 12%) - 24120 N/mm2

• Crushing strength (at 12%) - 96 N/mm2

 

Natural Durability

Good. Resistant to insect attack and moderately durable under unfavorable conditions. As a rule it is

not necessary to preservative treat for general use.

 

Treatability:

Probably poor

 

Processing

Drying - Dries easily with little degrade but fIat-sawn timber has a tendency to shell out.

Working - Power is required to saw and machining is difficult. Takes a fine finish and the wood is

very smooth to touch.

Assembly - Easy to glue.

Finishing - Polishes, varnishes and paints without difficulty.

 

Uses

Suitable for flooring, interior and exterior joinery. Can also be used for cabinetwork and furniture

making. It has adequate properties for use as railway sleepers and flooring.

 

 

 

Botanical name:   Carapa guianensis

Family:   Meliaceae

Vernacular name (Guyana):    Crabwood

International trade name :    Andiroba

 

Wood Appearance

The heartwood varies from pale-pink to rich red-brown when freshly sawn, darkening to a uniform

dull reddish-brown. The sapwood is pale-brown or oatmeal coloured, not always sharply defined.

Wood resembles a plain mahogany in appearance but lacks its natural luster. The texture is medium

to coarse; grain is generally straight but sometimes interlocked. The bole is 15-20m in length with a

diameter of 65-95(-180) cm.

 

Physical and Mechanical Properties

Comparable in strength to European Beech. Small movement. Moderately hard with good

mechanical properties and is fairly stable in use.

• Air dried density (12%) - 670kg/m3

• Bending strength (at 12%) - 111 N/mm2

• Modulus of elasticity (at 12%) - 11800 N/mm2

• Crushing strength (at 12%) - 59 N/mm2

 

Natural Durability

Heartwood is moderately durable and fire resistant. Logs prone to attack by ambrosia (pinholeborer)

beetles.

 

Treatability

Poor

 

Timber Processing

Drying - Dries fairly well but rather slowly with a slight tendency to split in the initial stages. Kiln

Schedule C.

Working - Saws without difficulty. Interlocked grain makes planing difficult. Works easily and

turns well, finishing smoothly.

Assembly - Glues and holds nails well. Tendency to split on nailing.

Finishing - Takes stain and polish well.

 

Uses

Suitable for general carpentry, furniture, cabinet work, turnery and interior joinery.

 

 

 

Botanical name: Ocotearubra (Mez) Allen

Synonym: Nectandrarubra(Mez) Allen

Family: Lauraceae

Vernacular names (Guyana): Baaka, Determa, Teteruma, Wanu

International trade names: Determa, Lauro vermelho, Wana

Wood description

Sapwood - Distinct, dirty-yellow to greyish-pink.

Heartwood - Pinkish-red, becoming brown with age.

Grain - Generally straight, or slightly irregular or interlocked

Texture - Medium to coarse

 

Physical and Mechanical Properties

Green density (g/cm3) - 1.00

Air-dry density at 12% (g/cm3) - 0.66

Basic specific gravity (g/cm3) - 0.57

Total tangential shrinkage (%) - 8.8

Total radial shrinkage (%)

Total volumetric shrinkage (%) - 4.5

Bending strength at 12% (N/mm2) - 90

Modulus strength of elasticity at 12% (N/mm) - 11400

Crushing strength at 12% (N/mm) - 51

Natural durability

Resistance to decay - Good

Resistance to termites - Good

Resistance to insects of dry wood - Good

 

Treatability

Poor

 

Timber Processing

Sawing - Easy, very slight blunting effect.

Drying - Very difficult to kiln-dry; moderately difficult to air-season. US kiln schedule T6D2 25-38 mm and T3D1

for 50 mm.(See table in Tropenbos Series 15 p. 147)

Machining - Not difficult

Nailing - Medium to good holding of nails

Finishing - Good, filling is recommended

Veneering - Peels and slices well.

 

Uses

Furniture; moulding; sliced veneer; boat building; plywood; interior and exterior joinery, panelling; and glued laminated beams.

 

Substitutes

Can substitute for Crabwood in joinery, panels, interior work and furniture.

 

 

 

 

Botanical name:    Chlorocardium rodiei

Family:    Lauraceae

Vernacular name (Guyana):    Greenheart

International trade name:   Greenheart

 

Wood Appearance

Light-greenish to dark olive-green, sometimes marked with brown or black stakes. Sapwood is pale-yellow in

colour, shading gradually into heartwood. The texture is fine and even and grain straight or interlocked.

The bole is 15-23m in length with a diameter of 35-60 cm.

 

Physical and Mechanical Properties

Has exceptionally high strength properties even when its weight is taken into account.

• Air dried density (12%) - 970 kg/m3

• Bending strength (at 12%) - 240 N/mm2

• Modulus of elasticity (at 12%) - 24500 N/mm2

• Compression parallel to grain - 89.9 N/ mm2

• Crushing strength (at 12%) - 98 N/mm2

 

Natural durability

Almost immune to decay and termites, highly resistant to marine organisms and fire.

Extremely resistant to preservative treatment.

 

Treatability

Poor

 

Timber Processing

Drying - Dries very slowly with minor degrade, particularly in the thicker sizes. Distortion is not

serious, but checking and splitting may occur. Kiln schedule B.

Working - Power required with blunting effect being moderate to high. Turns well. Planing is not difficult

despite the high density of the wood and interlocked grain.

Assembly - Easy gluing. Pre-boring is recommended for nails and screws. Good nail holding.

Finishing - Staining rarely necessary. Polishes satisfactorily.

 

Uses

A very heavy, hard timber, suitable for use under exacting conditions.   Outstanding in most of its

strength properties and of very high durability with excellent resistance to attack by marine borers.

Available in very large sizes and long length, and is suitable for piling, piers, lock gates, dock and

harbour works. Useful for pier decking and hand rails, flooring and in the engineering industry as

bearers for engines. Gives good service in chemical plants for vats, filter press plates and frames.

Suitable for joinery in both exterior and interior situations, and also used for fishing rods and as

centre laminar for longbows and general construction.

 

 

 

Botanical name: LoxopterygiumsagotiiHook.f.

Family: Anacardiaceae

Vernacular names (Guyana): Aupar, Hububalli, Kwipari Kwipariye

International trade name: Hububalli, Slangenhout

 

Wood description

Sapwood - More or less distinct, pale-yellow or light grey-brown

Heartwood - Light-brown to red-brown usually attractively figured with narrow to wide darker stripes and streaks

Grain - Straight, sometimes interlocked or wavy

Texture - Medium. Dark oil specks on tangential surfaces.

 

 Physical and Mechanical Properties

Green density (g/cm3) - 0.95

Air-dry density at 12% (g/cm3) - 0.68

Basic specific gravity (g/cm3) - 0.56

Total tangential shrinkage (%) - 7.2

Total radial shrinkage (%) - 3.4

Total volumetric shrinkage (%) - 11.1

Bending strength at 12% (N/mm2) - 94

Modulus strength of elasticity at 12% (N/mm) - 12060

Crushing strength at 12% (N/mm) - 51

 

Processing

Sawing - Easy

Drying - Moderately difficult and slow. Risks of distortion/checking: moderate

Machining - Difficult owing to the presence of interlocked grain

Gluing - Requires care

Nailing - Good

Finishing - Good with smooth surface but the oily gum may cause some difficulties in varnishing

Veneering - Slices and peels

 

Natural durability

Resistance to decay - Moderate to good

Resistance to termites - Moderate

Resistance to insects of dry wood - Poor

 

Treatability

Poor

 

Uses

Fine furniture and cabinet work, flooring, sliced veneer, joinery, turnery and plywood.

 

Substitutes

Can be used as substitute for Purpleheart and Crabwood for furniture, cabinets, flooring and decorative veneer.

 

 

 

 

 

Botanical name:    Goupia glabra

Family:    Celastraceae

Vernacular name (Guyana):    Kabukalli

International trade names:    Kopi

 

Wood Appearance

The heartwood is light reddish-brown and of plain appearance, darkening on exposure. The sapwood

is a distinct thick brownish or pinkish colour, and sharply demarcated. Grain is straight, sometimes

interlocked and texture is medium to coarse and rather harsh. The freshly cut timber has an

unpleasant scent which is lost on drying. The bole, cylindrical, is 14-21m in length with a diameter of

60-100 (-150) cm.

 

Physical and Mechanical Properties

This is a tough, hard wood with satisfactory mechanical strength (stronger than European oak) and

medium and dimensional stability.

• Air dried density (12%) - 840 kg/m3

• Bending strength (at 12%) - 122 N/mm2

• Modulus of elasticity (at 12%) - 14700 N/mm2

• Crushing strength (at 12%) - 62 N/mm2

 

Natural Durability

Good durability. Withstands both insect and fungal attack, even under unfavourable conditions of

use.

 

Treatability

Moderate in sapwood, poor in heartwood. 

 

Timber Processing

Drying - Generally drying is slow and difficult with high risk of distortion and checking. Kiln

Schedule F.

Working - Generally easy to saw. Has a moderate blunting effect on cutting edges owing to wild

grain. Care is required in machining and in planning to prevent tearing on quarter-sewn surfaces. In

moulding there is a tendency for arises to chip.

Assembly - Does not glue well and tends to split when nailed. Pre-boring is necessary.

Finishing - Works easily to finish smoothly. Stains and polishes satisfactorily when filled.

 

Uses

Kabukalli is essentially an excellent general heavy and durable construction timber suitable for

railway sleepers, paving blocks, furniture, decorative veneer, panelling, foundations, framing

members, ship-building and flooring.

 

 

 

Botanical name: Protiumdecandrum (Aublet) Marchand

Family: Burseraceae

Vernacular names (Guyana): Common Kurokai, Kurokai, Maruwa, Porokai, Waruwai

International trade name: Kurokai

 

Wood description

Sapwood - Not distinct, pink or occasionally pale-yellow

Heartwood - Pinkish-brown sometimes with dark reddish-brown;

Grain - irregularly spaced streaks

Texture - Straight or shallowly interlocked. Fine.

 

Physical and Mechanical Properties

Green density (g/cm3) - 0.9

Air-dry density at 12% (g/cm3) - 0.64

Basic specific gravity (g/cm3) - 0.53

Total tangential shrinkage (%) - 3.1-4.0

Total radial shrinkage (%) - 5.1-6.5

Bending strength at 12% (N/mm2) - 110

Modulus strength of elasticity at 12% (N/mm) - 12890

Crushing strength at 12% (N/mm) - 61

 

Timber Processing

Sawing - Power required; difficult resin accumulates and clogs saw teeth (debark logs prior to conversion)

Drying - Risks of distortion/checking: high (original shakes tend to extend during drying)

Machining - Not difficult

Gluing - Variable

Nailing - Pre-boring necessary

Finishing - Requires a little filling

Veneering - Interesting for peeling

 

Natural durability

Resistance to decay - Poor

Resistance to termites - Poor

Resistance to insects of dry wood - Poor

 

Treatability

Poor

 

Uses

Furniture, house framing, plywood, interior joinery, interior fittings, veneer and light carpentry

 

Substitutes

Preferred to Crabwood for furniture by some local people.

 

 

 

 

Botanical name:    Hymenaea courbaril

Family:   Caesalpiniaceae

Vernacular name (Guyana):   Locust

International trade name:   Courbaril

 

Wood Appearance

The heartwood is light-brown to brown often with dark streaks and a subdued golden glow. The

sapwood of whitish-grey colour is sharply defined. Texture is medium to coarse with straight grain.

There is medium luster and distinct uniform vessel lines. The bole is 18-25m in length, with

diameter   50-120(-150) cm.

 

Physical and Mechanical Properties

Very hard and strong. Moderate shrinkage, relatively stable once dry. Good mechanical properties,

especially elasticity:

• Air dried density (12%) - 880kg/m3

• Bending strength (at 12%) - 172N/mm2

• Modulus of elasticity (at 12%) - 18500 N/mm2

• Crushing strength (at 12%) - 84 N/mm2

 

Natural Durability

Very resistant to decay.

 

Treatability

Poor

 

Timber Processing

Drying - Dries readily with slight risk of distortion or checking.

Working - Moderately difficult to work but finishes smoothly. Planes and turns without difficulty.

Good bending to steaming process.

Assembly - Glues well, but difficult to nail. Fastenings are held well.

Finishing - Finishes smoothly and polishes and varnishes without difficulty.

 

Uses

A wood of decorative appearance, suitable for use in the manufacture of high grade furniture, cabinet

work, decorative joinery and veneer. Also used for shipbuilding, general construction, and the

making of tool handles and croquet mallets.

 

 

 

Botanical name:    Mora excelsa

Family:   Caesalpiniaceae

Vernacular name (Guyana):    Mora

International trade name:   Mora

 

Wood Appearance

Mora (and Morabukea which is similar in structure) heartwood varies from chocolate-brown to

reddish-brown. Sapwood is wide with yellowish to pale-brown colour. The grain is straight and often

interlocked and somewhat wavy or irregular. The texture is coarse and bole 15-24m in length,

rounded or flattened. The diameter is 60-90 (-120) cm.

 

Physical and Mechanical Properties

A very heavy, hard wood, with   outstanding strength properties.

• Air dried density (12%) - 990kg/m3

• Bending strength (at 12%) - 149 N/mm2

• Modulus of elasticity (at 12%) - 21020 N/mm2

• Crushing strength (at 12%) - 81 N/mm2

 

Natural Durability

The heartwood is durable and extremely resistant to preservatives. Mora is markedly fire resistant.

 

Treatability

Poor

 

Timber Processing

Drying • Difficult i.e. it must be carried out carefully because of processing risk of distortion and

checking. Kiln Schedule B.

Working - Difficult to saw, because of its density and interlocked grain. Blunting effect is moderate

to high. With the same qualification, it can be planed, finishes smoothly, turns easily, splits with

great difficulty.

Assembly - Difficult to nail but holds nails and rail spikes well. Pre-boring is necessary.

Finishing • Stains and polishes satisfactorily.

 

Uses

Best suited for heavy construction work, jetties and foreshore work. Particularly suitable for

sleepers, wagon bottoms, and for both traditional and mosaic flooring and ship-building.

 

 

 

Botanical name:    Peltogyne spp.

Family:    Caesalpiniaceae (Leguminosae)

Vernacular name (Guyana):   Purpleheart

International trade name:    Amarante

 

Wood Appearance

Dull-brown when freshly cut and rapidly oxidizes to violet-purple on exposure to light, gradually

toning down in course of time to dark purplish-brown. The sapwood is whitish or cream coloured and

grain is generally straight, sometimes wavy or interlocked. The texture is moderate to fine. The bole

is 15-27m in length, cylindrical; diameter 45-90 (-150) cm.

 

Physical and Mechanical Properties

Wood is very tough, strong and resilient.

• Air dried density (12%) - 840 kg/m3

• Bending strength (at 12%) - 155 N/mm2

• Modulus of elasticity (at 12%) - 16860 N/mm2

• Compression parallel to grain - 78.5 N/mm2

• Crushing strength (at 12%) - 79 N/mm2

• Shock resistance - medium.

 

Natural Durability

Highly resistant to decay, termites and fire. The heartwood is very durable and extremely resistant

to preservatives, while the sapwood is permeable.

 

Treatability

Poor

 

Timber Processing

Drying - Dries well and fairly rapidly with little degrade. Kiln Schedule E.

Working - Moderately difficult to work. There is a moderate blunting effect when sawing. Planes

and turns well, finishes smoothly and takes a high polish.

Assembly - It takes glue well and holds nails and screws satisfactorily.

Finishing - Gives good results when lacquered or polished.

 

Uses

Possesses high strength and very good durability.  It is an excellent structural timber suitable for

heavy outdoor construction work such as bridges, docks work and park benches. As flooring, it has

high wearing qualities and is suitable for most conditions of traffic. Has been used successfully in

chemical plants for vats, filter press plates and frames. Also used for making billiard cue butts, tool

handles, interior and exterior joinery and ship-building. A valuable wood for its attractive

appearance and its strength.

 

 

 

Botanical name:    Cedreta odorata

Family:    Meliaceae

Vernacular name (Guyana): Cedro

International trade names:   Cedro

 

Wood Appearance

The wood bears a general resemblance to the softer grades of Mahogany, but the heartwood varies

from pale pinkish-brown to dark reddish-brown, according to the locality of growth. Growing zones

are distinct, as is its lustre. The grain is usually straight or shallowly interlocked. Its texture is

moderately coarse and the wood is characterized by a distinct fragrant scent. The bole is 12-18m in

length with a diameter of 50-90(-180) cm.

 

Physical and Mechanical Properties

The wood is soft but strong for its weight in both the green and the air dried state. Red Cedar was

found to equal Honduras Mahogany (a denser species) in all strength properties except hardness,

shear and tension. Movement is small.

• Air dried density (12%) - 440kg/m3

• Bending strength (at 12%) - 65 N/mm2

• Modulus of elasticity (at 12%) - 6880N/mm2

• Crushing strength (at 12%) - 35 N/mm2

 

Natural Durability

It is moderately durable and resistant to decay in grave yard and pure culture tests. The sapwood is

reported to be permeable to preservatives. In its dry state, the wood is resistant to termites.

 

Treatability

Poor

 

Timber Processing

Drying - Dries rapidly without marked distortion.

Working - Works easily and finishes smoothly. For rip-sawing the recommended saw type is HR54

and for wide band-sawing, saw type A.

Assembly - Takes glue, nails and screws well. Peels cold.

Finishing - When free from gum it stains and polishes beautifully (after filling). A good finish is

produced by reducing the cutting angle to 200.

 

Uses

Red Cedar has many and varied uses. Suitable for high quality cabinet work, interior joinery and

paneling, cigar boxes and sometimes for sound boards of organs. In boat-building it is employed for

planking, for skirls of racing boats and decks of canoes as it combines durability and light

weight. It is also used for coffins, drawers and shelves and suitable for sliced and rotary cut veneer.

 

 

Botanical names:   Brown: Licaria canella, Sof• Kereti: Ocotea oblonga, Hard Kereti-Ocotea wachenheimii, Yellow: Aniba hypoglauca

Family: Lauraceae

Vernacular name (Guyana):   Brown Silverballi, kereti silverballi

International trade names:  Brown Silverballi, kereti silverballi

 

Wood Appearance

In Guyana the Silverballi group is divided into "hard" and '"soft", with the dividing line being put at

an air-dried specific gravity of 37 lb/ft3. The heartwood ranges from greyish through yellowish-buff to

light- brown and darkens on exposure. The lustre is medium to high and the texture fine to

moderately coarse. The grain is straight and occasionally interlocked and the wood usually has a

pleasant aromatic scent. The bole is 15-21m in length and the diameter 50-60 (-120) cm.

 

Physical and Mechanical Properties

The "hard" Silverballi is light to heavy. Movement rather low; the lighter species shrink less

than the heavier types.

Properties (at 12%)

Air dried density (kg/m3) 1110 589-640 630 420

Bending strength (N/mm2) 226 67 104 72

Modulus of elasticity (N/mm2) 26000 9100 11569 9167

Crushing strength (N/mm2) 120 40 60 39

 

Natural Durability

It is moderately resistant to insects and decay, highly resistant to marine borers but susceptible to

termites. It is difficult to impregnate.

 

Treatability

Poor to good according to species

 

Timber Processing

Drying - Covering when air-drying is recommended. The risk of distortion is high but that of

checking is very slight.

Working - Saws well and works easily.

Assembly - Holds nails, screws and glue well.

Finishing - Finishes smoothly unless grain is severely interlocked. Paints well.

 

Uses

"Hard" Silverballi is used for general carpentry and boat-building (planking), suitable for both

interior   and exterior work in house construction, furniture and cabinet work, veneer and plywood.

"Soft" Silverballi is used in general carpentry, interior work, light weight furniture and suitable for

utility plywood.

 

 

 

Botanical name:    Aspidosperma album

Family:    Apocynaceae

Vernacular name (Guyana):    Bois Macaque

International trade name:    Shibadan

 

Wood Appearance

The wood is tan to rose-red, often streaked with purple or brown and becoming brownish-yellow to

medium-brown on exposure. The sapwood is yellowish, paler than the heartwood but not sharply

demarcated. The grain is straight to irregular and the texture fine and uniform. The length of the

bole is 18-21m and diameter, 50-80 cm.

 

Physical and Mechanical Properties

A hard and strong timber. Bending strength medium and crushing strength high.

• Air dried density (12%) - 910kg/m3

• Bending strength (at 12%) - 176 N/mm2

• Modulus of elasticity (at 12%) - 19560 N/mm2

• Crushing strength (at 12%) - 93 N/mm2

 

Natural Durability

The heartwood is durable and extremely resistant to preservative treatment. The sapwood is

permeable.

 

Treatability

Poor to moderate.

 

Timber Processing

Drying - Dries without difficulty. Kiln Schedule E.

Working - Easy to work and finishes well.

Assembly - Gluing easy but hard to nail.

Finishing - Takes staining and polishing satisfactorily.

 

Uses

A good general all purpose wood, suitable for construction work requiring strength and durability,

and  could also be useful for exterior joinery. Also suitable for panelling, turnery and furniture

manufacture.

 

 

 

Botanical name:    Quassia simarouba (formerly Simaruba amara)

Family:    Simarubaceae

Vernacular name (Guyana):   Simarupa

International trade name:    Simarupa

 

Wood Appearance

The heartwood is whitish but not differentiated from the whitish or straw coloured sapwood. Wood

has a slightly bitter taste, but is odourless. The grain is straight, texture is medium, uniform and

lustrous. The bole is 15-30m in length with a diameter of 40-60cm.

 

Physical and Mechanical Properties

A very light, soft timber. In several respects very similar to Obeche (Triplochiton scleroxylon). The

movement is small. It is low in bending strength, stiffness, crushing strength and shock resistance.

• Air dried density (12%) - 410kg/m3

• Bending strength (at 12%) - 66 N/mm2

• Modulus of elasticity (at 12%) - 8100 N/mm2

• Crushing strength (at 12%) - 34 N/mm2

 

Natural Durability

Timber of low durability, blue stains easily. Green converted timber can easily be treated by short

dipping and diffusion.

 

Treatability

good

 

Timber Processing

Drying - Dries very rapidly and very well but prone to blue stain. Kiln Schedule L.

Working - Easy to work with both manual and machine tools.

Assembly - Can be easily nailed with medium to good holding qualities.

Finishing - Easy to paint, stain and varnish.

 

Uses

Suitable for use where a light, easily worked hardwood is required and where its lack of durability

and low strength are not important. Examples are in furniture for interior use, drawer slides, and

some types of cabinet framing, interior joinery and shoe heels. Excellent qualities for model-making,

utility  wood ware and toy manufacture. Simarupa peels well and makes attractive plywood.

 

 

 

Botanical name:    Diplotropis purpurea

Family:    Papilionaceae

Vernacular name:    Tatabu

International trade name:    Sucupira

 

Wood Appearance

The heartwood is dark chocolate-brown in colour with conspicuous paler markings, giving a

decorative appearance which may be enhanced on quartered surface by a stripe figure. The sapwood

is whitish, sharply demarcated from the heartwood. Grain is interlocked, sometimes irregular and

the texture is moderately coarse. The bole is 18-21m in length and diameter 40-60(-100) cm.

 

Physical and Mechanical Properties

A heavy, strong, durable wood possessing high strength properties. Medium shrinkage, relatively

stable once dry.

• Air dried density (12%) - 910kg/m3

• Bending strength (at 12%) - 156 N/mm2

• Modulus of elasticity (at 12%) - 18000 N/mm2

• Crushing strength (at 12%) - 88 N/mm2

 

Natural Durability

Very resistant to decay even under exacting conditions of use. Highly resistant to fungi and termite

attacks.

 

Treatability

Poor

 

Timber Processing

Drying - Dries readily but slowly, without distortion or checking.

Working - Difficult to work due to its high density, interlocked and irregular grain, but can be

finished to a smooth surface. Turns well.

Assembly - Glues well and holds nails and screws well.

Finishing - Polishes satisfactorily after filling.

 

Uses

Has a decorative appearance and is of interest for turned work and as a veneer for inlays in high

grade furniture. Suitable for exterior and interior joinery, turnery, paneling and tool handles. A very

useful timber with many applications.

 

 

 

Botanical name:    Humiria balsamifera var balsamifera

Family:    Humiriaceae

Vernacular name (Guyana):    Tauroniro

International trade name:    Chanul

 

Wood Appearance

Heartwood varies from fawn colour to reddish-brown. Sapwood is not well defined. There is lustre

and texture is medium to fine. The grain is straight and often interlocked. The bole is cylindrical, 18-

20m in length, 50-90(-120) cm in diameter.

 

Physical and Mechanical Properties

Very hard, strong, dense and highly durable wood. Weighs approximately 900 kg/m3 (56/ft3) seasoned.

Medium shrinkage, very stable once dry. Very good mechanical properties, good elasticity and

impact resistance.

• Air dried density (12%) - 950kg/m3

• Bending strength (at 12%) - 168 N/mm2

• Modulus of elasticity (at 12%) - 18800 N/mm2

• Crushing strength (at 12%) - 86 N/mm2

 

Natural Durability

Highly durable. Resistant to fungal attack even under unfavorable conditions of use. Good resistance

to termite attack

 

Treatability

poor

 

Timber Processing

Drying - Moderate rate recommended since risk of distortion is high.

Working - Power is required in sawing and machining. Blunting effect on saw is moderate. Prone to

chipped grain when grain is highly interlocked. Finishes smoothly even on the end-grain when grain

is straight.

Assembly - Glues well, nails and screws hold well.

Finishing - Varnishes and polishes without trouble.

 

Uses

Suitable for general house construction, panelling and flooring. Its attractive appearance makes it

suitable for furniture and decorative purposes. It can also be used for wheelwright work, counters

and work bench tops.

 

 

 

Botanical name:    Swartzia leiocalycina

Family:    Caesalpiniaceae

Vernacular name (Guyana):    Wamara; Brown Ebony; Ironwood

International trade name:    Wamara

 

Wood Appearance

The heartwood is chocolate to purplish-brown with darker purple streaks, giving the wood an

attractive appearance. The sapwood is pale in colour and sharply demarcated from heartwood;

sapwood and heartwood are often used in furniture to give two toned effect. The grain is straight,

sometimes irregular and texture fine. The bole is 18-21m in length with a diameter of 40-75cm.

 

Physical and Mechanical Properties

A very hard, very heavy wood with medium movement. Excellent mechanical strength:

• Air dried density (12%) - 1060kg/m3

• Bending strength (at 12%) - 213 N/mm2

• Modulus of elasticity (at 12%) - 23630 N/mm2

• Crushing strength (at 12%) - 110N/mm2

 

Natural Durability

The heartwood is durable and extremely resistant to insects, decay and preservatives but not to

marine borers. The sapwood is permeable.

 

Treatability

poor

 

Timber Processing

Drying - Dries slowly with appreciable surface checking. Kiln Schedule B.

Working - Difficult to work owing to hardness and interlocked grain. Easy to scrape and sand and

gives a fine finish. There is a tendency for end splitting but distortion is not serious. Blunting effect

is moderate to high. Suitable for bends of moderate radius of curvature if well supported with a

metal strap.

Assembly - Difficult to nail and screw and tends to split, but fastenings are held well. Pre-boring is

necessary.

Finishing - Finishes smoothly and polishes well. Stains will not penetrate the timber.

 

Uses

Suitable for interior decorative work and fittings. Can be used for cabinetwork, furniture making,

flooring and panelling. Very suitable for inlay work and turnery.