Couma macrocarpa
Specifications
Family
Apocynaceae
Species
Couma macrocarpa Barb. Rodr.
milk tree
cow tree
Description
The sapwood is yellow-pink and the heartwood is pinkish-brown, with a medium texture and interwoven grain. Its density varies from 0.40 to 0.65. It is easy to work, but has poor resistance to weathering, so it is used in constructions sheltered from the elements.
Plant morphology
It is a tree 12 to 28 m tall, with a trunk 50-80 cm in diameter, with rough, layered bark rich in latex and red underneath. The leaves are whorled, ternate or in fours, hairy on the surface, and obovate in shape. The axillary inflorescences are borne at the ends of the branches. The flowers are light pink. The fruit is a globular, edible berry.
Natural occurrence
Countries of origin and distribution
Central and South America: Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela.
Habitat and ecology
It is a shade-loving species of climax vegetation, typical of the tropical Amazon rainforest in elevated areas, primarily on well-drained soils. It is distributed across a wide range but is rarely found.
Uses
Application areas
It is also used in carpentry, packaging, interior design, framing, and plywood veneer.
Technical data
Aesthetic characteristics
Grain
Slightly obvious
Texture
Medium
Physical and mechanical properties
Density
ρ
ρ
610
kg/m3
Bending strength
M.O.R.
M.O.R.
115
MPa
Durability characteristics
Fungal resistance
Not durable