Scientific name

Dipterix spp

Other names

English: Cumaru

Geographic origin

Central America and north of the Amazone

Description

&;8226; Sapwood: Blanco amarillento
&;8226; Heartwood: Pardo amarillento a pardo rojizo
&;8226; Fiber: Straight, con frecuencia bastante entrelazada
&;8226; Grain: medium size

Capacity of being impregnated

&;8226; Sapwood: Medium capacity of being impregnated
&;8226; Heartwood: Low capacity of being impregnated

Mechanization

&;8226; Sawing process: Difficult due to its hardness and its silica content, high power saws are required
&;8226; Drying process: very slow. Little risk of cimentation. High risk of crack formation and lower risk of deformations
&;8226; Planing process: Difficult due to its hardness, risk of generalized risk of repelling due to its intertwined fibers pieces. Slowly mechanisation is highly recommended.
&;8226; Gluing process: Difficulties can arise due to its tannin contents
&;8226; Nailing and screwing process: difficulties due to its hardness. Pre-drilling is required
&;8226; Finish: A thorough sanding is required due to a risk of repelling

Physical properties

&;8226; Apparent density at 12% humidity 1,020 kg/m3 very heavy wood
&;8226; Dimensional stability
- Volumetric contraction coefficient 0.49 % nervous wood
- Relation between contractions 1.4% no tendency to deformity
&;8226; Hardness (Chaláis-Meudon) 11.0 very hard wood

Mechanical properties

&;8226; Resistance to static flexion 1.780 kg/cm2 &;8226; Elasticity module 220,000 kg/cm2
&;8226; Resistance to parallel compression 680 kg/cm2

Observations

It is the South American wood that is more similar to the African Talí-Elondo. This wood is highly recommened for exterior deck and it is a good substitute to Ipe wood.