Aspidosperma macrocarpon
Specifications
Family
Apocynaceae
Species
Aspidosperma macrocarpon Mart.
Description
The sapwood is yellowish-grey, the heartwood yellow-orange or golden-brown, the texture is coarse, the grain varies, the density ranges from 0.76 to 1.
Plant morphology
A tree 8 to 18 m tall, it has a thick, curved trunk 25–35 cm in diameter, with a distinctive, layered, fissured bark and an open crown. The leaves are simple, leathery, densely downy on both sides, and very broad (15–20 cm). The flowers, borne in inflorescences at the base of the leaves, are small, white, and have five petals. The fruit is a large, dehiscent capsule containing a membranous, winged seed.
Natural occurrence
Countries of origin and distribution
Central America, Antilles, Colombia, Bolivia, Venezuela, Guyana, Brazil.
Habitat and ecology
Deciduous, heliophilous, selectively xerophilous species, it is typical of well-drained soils and the cerrado.
Uses
Use class
CU1
CU2
CU3
CU4
CU5
Application areas
With excellent durability and mechanical resistance, it is used for heavy constructions, railway sleepers, boats, floorboards, sports equipment, and turning.
Technical data
Aesthetic characteristics
Grain
Slightly obvious
Texture
Medium
Physical and mechanical properties
Density
ρ
ρ
750
kg/m3
Radial shrinkage
Rad. sh.
Rad. sh.
41
MPa
Tangential shrinkage
Tang. sh.
Tang. sh.
81
MPa
Bending strength
M.O.R.
M.O.R.
95
MPa
Modulus of Elasticity
M.O.E.
M.O.E.
14600
MPa
Durability characteristics
Fungal resistance
Durable
Insect resistance
Resistant