Alexa spp.
Specifications
Family
Fabaceae
Species
Alexa spp.
Description
The sapwood is broad, whitish, and not clearly differentiated from the yellowish-brown heartwood, although sometimes darker shades are present. The texture is coarse, the grain generally straight, and the density is around 0.48-0.50. Drying causes significant shrinkage and cracking due to the strong internal stresses pre-existing in the stems. Mechanical strength is modest, and resistance to fungi is good.
Plant morphology
These plants have an arboreal habit, can reach 30 m in height, and have a cylindrical stem with a diameter of up to 90 cm. The leaves are compound and pinnate. The flowers, depending on the species, can be red or orange, and pollination is performed by bats.
Natural occurrence
Countries of origin and distribution
Central and South America: Brazil, Guiana, Suriname, Venezuela.
Habitat and ecology
They are dominant on the sandy soils of the Mozarumi district and in the mountainous regions of Guyana.
Uses
Use class
CU1
CU2
CU3
CU4
CU5
Application areas
It is used for construction and interior carpentry, packaging and plywood veneer.
Technical data
Aesthetic characteristics
Grain
Obvious
Texture
Coarse
Physical and mechanical properties
Density
ρ
ρ
760
kg/m3
Radial shrinkage
Rad. sh.
Rad. sh.
5
MPa
Tangential shrinkage
Tang. sh.
Tang. sh.
107
MPa
Bending strength
M.O.R.
M.O.R.
96
MPa
Modulus of Elasticity
M.O.E.
M.O.E.
15810
MPa
Durability characteristics
Fungal resistance
Durable
Insect resistance
Resistant
Miscellaneous
From a commercial point of view, the species of interest are Alexa imperatricis (R.H. Schomb.) Baill. and Alexa leiopetala Sandwith.