Chlorocardium rodiei
Specifications
Family
Lauraceae
Species
Chlorocardium rodiei (R.H. Schomb.) Rohwer, H.G. Richt. & van der Werff
greenheart
demerara greenheart
Description
The sapwood is broad, yellowish-greenish, gradually fading into a dark brownish-blackish or blackish heartwood, variegated with lighter streaks. The texture is medium-fine, the grain varies, and the density varies from 0.95 to 1.23. Drying must be carried out with care, and shrinkage is high. All processes are arduous and require powerful machinery. The dust is highly irritating to the respiratory system and mucous membranes. Mechanical strength is high and durability is good, even in humid environments or outdoors, but it is damaged in seawater.
Plant morphology
It is a tree that reaches 40 meters in height and 1 meter in diameter, with grayish-brown bark and simple, alternate, glossy leaves, mucronate at the apex. The small white flowers are borne in axillary racemes. The fruit is a fleshy drupe.
Natural occurrence
Countries of origin and distribution
Central and South America: Bahamas, Brazil, Cuba, Dominican Republic, French Guiana, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Suriname, Venezuela; cultivated in Oceania and Southeast Asia.
Habitat and ecology
It lives mainly in lowland rainforests, on sandy substrates.
Uses
Use class
CU1
CU2
CU3
CU4
CU5
Application areas
It is used for hydraulic and maritime works, machine parts, shipbuilding, staves for chemical containers, turning, and various tools.
Threats and Conservation
Threats
Excessive withdrawal.
Conservation measures
Conservation is only possible if the harvest becomes sustainable with the ecology of the species, given that it regenerates very slowly.
IUCN Red List
IUCN
DD - Data deficient - Insufficient data
CITES. Year of assessment
CITES
2007
1975
2050
CITES Italia • Ultimo aggiornamento
2007
Not present.
Technical data
Aesthetic characteristics
Grain
Obvious
Texture
Fine
Physical and mechanical properties
Density
ρ
ρ
970
kg/m3
Radial shrinkage
Rad. sh.
Rad. sh.
75
MPa
Tangential shrinkage
Tang. sh.
Tang. sh.
82
MPa
Bending strength
M.O.R.
M.O.R.
217
MPa
Modulus of Elasticity
M.O.E.
M.O.E.
30400
MPa
Durability characteristics
Fungal resistance
Very durable
Insect resistance
Resistant