Astronium fraxinifolium
Specifications
Family
Anacardiaceae
Species
Astronium fraxinifolium Schott
kingwood
locustwood
zebrawood
Description
It is differentiated, with a thin yellowish-white sapwood and reddish or brown heartwood with darker variegations, medium texture, varied grain and a volumetric weight of 0.85 to 1.30.
Plant morphology
It is a tree 8 to 12 m tall, with an erect, cylindrical trunk 40-60 cm in diameter, grayish-black bark that peels, and a pyramidal crown. The leaves are pinnately compound, subcoriaceous, slightly pubescent, and vary in size. The inflorescence is a terminal raceme consisting of small yellow flowers. The fruit is an achene.
Natural occurrence
Countries of origin and distribution
Central Brazil, states of Goias, Mato Grosso, Minas Gerais.
Habitat and ecology
Deciduous, heliophilous and xerophilous species, it grows in very well-drained soils and is a pioneer in areas of secondary forest regrowth.
Uses
Use class
CU1
CU2
CU3
CU4
CU5
Application areas
Highly resistant to mechanical stress and highly durable, it is used for load-bearing structures, civil, road, hydraulic and naval constructions, and luxury furniture.
Technical data
Aesthetic characteristics
Grain
Obvious
Texture
Fine
Physical and mechanical properties
Density
ρ
ρ
800
kg/m3
Radial shrinkage
Rad. sh.
Rad. sh.
43
MPa
Tangential shrinkage
Tang. sh.
Tang. sh.
79
MPa
Bending strength
M.O.R.
M.O.R.
96
MPa
Modulus of Elasticity
M.O.E.
M.O.E.
16500
MPa
Durability characteristics
Fungal resistance
Very durable
Insect resistance
Resistant