South America

Tree Data
Trees are reported to be often less than 100 feet (30 m) in height, with trunk diameters of 24 to 48 inches (60 t0 120 cm). They sometimes attain heights of about 130 feet (40 m) and trunk diameters of 60 to 72 inches (150 to 180 cm).

Trees usually develop clear boles that are 40 to 80 feet (12 to 24 m) long, and may have swollen bases or buttresses, depending upon the size.

Sapwood Color
The rather wide sapwood is described as white, gray, or pinkish in color and is clearly demarcated from the heartwood. It is reported to be similar to Maple in appearance.

Heartwood Color
The color of the freshly-cut heartwood runs from salmon-red to orange-brown. It darkens into a russet to reddish-brown color after drying, and it is frequently marked with dark streaks.

Grain
The grain is mostly interlocked.

Texture
The texture is medium to coarse.

Luster
Luster is reported to vary from dull to fairly lustrous.

Odor
The wood has no characteristic taste or odor.

Movement in Service
The timber is reported to be stable after seasoning to the proper moisture content, and undergoes minimal dimensional changes in response to fluctuations in atmospheric conditions.

Natural Durability
The heartwood is reported to be moderately durable, with only moderate resistance to attack by both brown-rot and white-rot fungi. The heartwood is rated as very resistant to dry-wood termites but it is not totally immune from attack by marine borers. Resistance to Impregnation The heartwood is reported to be very resistant to preservative treatment. Penetration and retention in the sapwood is reported to be adequate.

Resin Content
The bark contains an orange or yellowish resin called South American copal, which is reported to be used in the manufacture of special types of varnishes and cements.

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