Andiroba
Description
Carapa guianensis Aubl.
Aboridã (PA) – Andiroba-aruba (PA) – Andiroba-vermelha (PA) – carapa – caropá (PA) – penaíba (PA) – crabwood
General Characteristics: dark brown or reddish heartwood distinct from the pale brown or grayish sapwood. Grain straight to interlocked, texture medium, luster moderate and not distinctive odor. It is considered the successor of mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) and cedar (Cedrela spp.).
Density: medium density wood, with density at 12% moisture content of 700 kg/m3 and green density of 1030 kg/m3.
Drying: kiln-dries very rapidly, when moderate checking, cupping and twisting. Combined air and kiln-drying gives satisfactory results, specially when employing low temperatures and high humidity during the initial stage of the kiln-drying.
Workability: good working and finishing. Glues and screws well. Peels well for veneer.
Durability: heartwood moderately resistant.
Preservation: difficult to be preserved with pressure-vacuum systems.
Uses: civil construction (beams, shingles and shakes, panels, window shutters, door posts, window sashes, baseboards and framing) furniture, sliced veneer, plywood, boxes and crates, interior trim for boats and ships and others.