Timber
Guyana is home to a wide variety of exotic hardwood, medium and softwood species. A sustainable, selective logging approach is used for timber harvesting. Only an identified number of trees of a specified diameter are extracted from an area. The trees are logged in a manner that does not result in a break in the overall rainforest canopy.
Commercial quantities of the remarkable and valuable Greenheart hardwood are found only in the rainforests of Guyana. This wood is immune to decay, water resistant, and highly resistant to marine organisms and fire. Greenheart’s incredible durability and strength makes it the perfect choice worldwide for construction of edifices and boats, as well as pilings for wharves, docks and bridges.
The New York City Department of Transportation imported Guyana’s Greenheart to build and renovate the promenade of the Brooklyn Bridge. Guyana’s Greenheart has also been used for over ten-thousand pilings in the Staten Island Ferry docks. Each piling was reportedly over 60 feet tall and comprised a single Greenheart tree trunk.
Some of Guyana’s other woods include; Purpleheart, a hardwood suitable for heavy outdoor construction such as bridges, dock work, park benches and outdoor furniture, and also used for indoor joinery; Kabukalli, a hardwood suitable for heavy construction such as railway sleepers, paving blocks, furniture and flooring; Wamara, a hardwood suitable for cabinet work, furniture, flooring and paneling; Simarupa, a medium to soft wood suitable for furniture, interior joinery, draw slides, etc.; and Bitter Cedar or Red Cedar, a soft wood suitable for high quality cabinet work, interior joinery, paneling, draws and shelves. For detailed information click each wood below.
Aromata
Botanical name: Clathrotropis spp.
Family: Papilionaceae
Vernacular name (
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.
Crab Wood / Mahogany
Botanical name: Carapa guianensis
Family: Meliaceae
Vernacular name (
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.
Determa
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.
Greenheart
Botanical name: Chlorocardium rodiei
Family:
Lauraceae
Vernacular name (
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.
Hububalli
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.
Kabukalli
Botanical name: Goupia glabra
Family: Celastraceae
Vernacular name (
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.
Kurokai
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.
Locust
Botanical name: Hymenaea courbaril
Family: Caesalpiniaceae
Vernacular name (
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.
Mora
Botanical name: Mora excelsa
Family: Caesalpiniaceae
Vernacular name (
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.
Purpleheart
Botanical name: Peltogyne spp.
Family: Caesalpiniaceae (Leguminosae)
Vernacular name (
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.
Red Cedar
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.
Silverballi
Botanical names: Brown: Licaria canella, Sof• Kereti: Ocotea oblonga, Hard Kereti-Ocotea wachenheimii, Yellow: Aniba hypoglauca
Family: Lauraceae
Vernacular name (
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.
Shibadan
Botanical name: Aspidosperma album
Family: Apocynaceae
Vernacular name (
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.
Simarupa
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.
Tatabu
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.
Tauroniro
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.
Wamara
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.
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