South America

Tree Data
The tree is usually large, attaining heights of 100 to 150 feet, with diameters of 24 to 48 inches, (60 to 120 cm), sometimes reaching 6 feet (1.8 m).

Trees are usually swollen at the base, and boles are often straight and clear to about 60 feet (18 m).

Sapwood Color
The sapwood is whitish or pale brown in color and is not clearly demarcated from the heartwood.

Heartwood Color
The heartwood is light to dark reddish brown in color. The color has also been described as dull plum red, somewhat resembling raw beef.

Grain
The grain is straight, sometimes slightly wavy or interlocked.

Texture
The texture is fine and uniform.

Luster
Luster is reported to be low to medium.

Odor
The wood has no distinctive odor or taste.

Natural Durability
The timber is rated as highly resistant to attack by decay fungi and subterranean termites. It has moderate resistance to attack by dry wood termites, and is reported to be susceptible to marine borer attack. Resistance to Impregnation The timber is reported to be very resistant to moisture absorption and to preservative treatment. Resistance to impregnations is reported to be higher than in Teak. Weathering Characteristics The wood is reported to have poor weathering properties, and surface-checks considerably when exposed to the weather without propection.

Toxic Constituents
The sawdust is reported to cause irritation in some individuals.

Strength Properties
Bending strength in the air-dry condition (about 12 percent moisture content) is exceptionally high. It is far superior in strength to either Teak or Hard maple. Maximum crushing strength, or compression parallel to grain, is exceptionally high. It is very hard, and may require special tools to process. Bulletwood is reported to be equal to or superior to Greenheart (Ocotea rodiaei ) in shock resistance, hardness, shear, and bending strength.

• Vorige