Scientific name

Nocthofagus pumilio Kras

Other names

English: Lenga, Lenga Beech, Beech Chile

Geographic origin

South America

Description

&;8226; Sapwood: pink white
&;8226; Heartwood: pink yellow
&;8226; Fiber: Right
&;8226; Grain: Thin

Capacity of being impregnated

&;8226; Sapwood: Capable of being impregnated
&;8226; Heartwood: No capable of being impregnated

Mechanization

&;8226; Sawing process: Easy and with no difficulties
&;8226; Drying process: Slow. Risk of crack formation
&;8226; Planing process and other processes: No difficulties
&;8226; Gluing process: Easy.
&;8226; Nailing and screwing process: from low to regular difficulty.
&;8226; Finish: Easy

Physical properties

&;8226; Apparent density at 12% humidity
540 kg/m3 semi-light wood
&;8226; Dimensional stability
- Volumetric contraction coefficient
0.42 % stable wood
- Relation between contractions
2.1% tendency to deformity
&;8226; Hardness (Chaláis-Meudon)
3.2 semi-hardwood

Mechanical properties

&;8226; Resistance to static flexion 820 kg/cm2
&;8226; Elasticity module 98,000 kg/cm2
&;8226; Resistance to compression 480 kg/cm2

Observations

Notable difference of colour between Heartwood and Sapwood as in the case of Cherry wood, which substitutes Lenga in many applications.