They must be implemented according to the code of practice. Some end-uses are mentioned for information (traditional, regional or ancient). Finishing is easy but filling is recommended.
Exterior joinery, light carpentry, heavy carpentry, hydrolic works (seawater), ship building (ribs), cooperage, turned goods, current furniture or furniture components, wood frame house, flooring, industrial or heavy flooring, interior joinery, stairs (inside), vehicle or container flooring, cabinetwork (high class furniture), tool handles (resilient woods), formwork, boxes and crates, wood-ware.
Garapa (Brazil)
Ibira Pere (Argentina); Almendrillo, Amarillo (Bolivia); Amarelao, Barajuba, Ferro, Gema-de-Ovo, Grapia, Jatai-Amarelo, Muirajuba, Muirataua (Brazil); Cobre (Colombia); Yvira-pere (Paraguay); Ana (Peru); Gateado, Mapurite (Venezuela).
The variety “molaris” is found in the Amazonian forest, mainly in flooded areas. The main species, Apuleia leiocarpa is found mainly in the South of Brazil, in the Atlantic coast forests, easily colonizing cleared areas.
60 to 90 centimeters in diameter; Sapwood is 5 to 11 centimeters thick; doesn’t float;
Heartwood: Lemon-yellow becoming light brown with age. Slight ribbon like aspect, a bit moirè.
Sapwood: clearly demarcated;
Color: yellow
Grain: interlocked and irregular;
Texture: medium;
Durability in forest: good;
| Density* | Monnin hardness* | Modulus of elasticity* | Crushing strength | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (*at 12% moisture content; 1 MPa = 1 N/mm2) Stability: Moderately stable to stable | |||||||
| 0.79 g/cm3 | 6.7 | 15880 MPa | 63 MPa | ||||
| Percentage of shrinkage | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type of shrinkage | mean | standard deviation |
| Volumetric | 0.52% | 0.05 |
| Tangential | 7.5% | 1.4 |
| Radial | 4.2% | 0.9 |
Easy to work with machine or hand tools, some difficulty in planing due to the interlocked grain. Reported to saw woolly when cut green.
| Fungi and termite resistance refers to end-uses under temperate climate. Except for special comments on sapwood, natural durability is based on mature heartwood. Sapwood must always be considered as non-durable against wood degrading agents. | |
|---|---|
| *ensured by natural durability (according EN standards). | |
| Fungi: | Class 3 - moderately durable |
| Dry wood borers: | Durable; sapwood demarcated (risk limited to sapwood) |
| Termites: | Class M - Moderately durable |
| Treatability: | 3 - poorly permeable |
| Biological hazard class*: | 2 - not in ground contact, under cover (dampness possible) |
| Note: | The natural durability of Garapa is very variable. In some cases, this variability can be observed inside the same piece of wood. This species cannot be used without appropriate preservative treatment for end-uses under biological hazard class 3 except for some parts of a work such as windows, less exposed than others (entrance doors, shutters...)
Due to its high silica content, this species naturally covers the biological hazard class 5 (end-uses in marine environment or in brackish water). However, due to its medium mechanical properties, it is not recommended to use it in case of strong structural constraints; it is most suitable for end-uses like shipbuilding. |
| Preservation: | |
|---|---|
| Against dry wood borer attacks: | Does not require any preservative treatment |
| In case of temporary humidification risk: | Requires appropriate preservative treatment |
| In case of permanent humidification risk: | Use not recommended |
Drying rate: Slow;
Risk of distortion: Slight risk;
Risk of casehardening: No;
Risk of checking: Slight risk;
Risk of collapse: No.
| Sawing and Machining | |
|---|---|
| Note: | Slicing is very difficult due to the high silica content. In machining, due to the irregular interlocked grain, it is recommended to reduce the feed rate and the cutting angle. |
| Blunting effect: | High |
| Sawteeth recommended: | Stellite-tipped |
| Cutting tools: | Tungsten carbide |
| Peeling: | Not recommended or without interest |
| Slicing: | Not recommended or without interest |
| Assembling | |
|---|---|
| Nailing / Screwing: | Good but pre-boring necessary |
| Gluing: | Correct |
From: TROPIX 5.0 - Copyright: CIRAD Forestry Department 12/16/2003