Cumaru
Description
Dipteryx odorata (Aubl.) Willd.
baru – champanhe – cumaru-da-folha-grande (AM) – cumaru-ferro – cumbari (AM) – ipê-cumaru – sarrapia (AM) – tonka – ebo
General Characteristics: yellowish brown heartwood distinct from a very pale Brown sapwood. Distinct growth rings, grain interlocked, texture medium to fine, luster lacking and not distinctive odor.
Density: heavy wood, with density at 12% moisture content of 1080 kg/m3 and green density of 1280 kg/m3.
Drying: air-drying moderately slow. Kiln-dries rapidly, with a density for medium twisting.
Workability: difficult to be worked. Excellent finishing when turned and poor finishing when planed and sanded.
Durability: resistant to fungi, insects and marine borers. Railroad crossties lasted from 10 to 22 years when used in well dried soils.
Preservation: heartwood impermeable to creosote and CCA-A, even with pressure-vacuum systems.
Uses: exterior and interior construction, flooring, sliced veneers, framing, turnery, tool handles and others.