Myrocarpus frondosus
Specifications
Family
Fabaceae
Species
Myrocarpus frondosus Allemao
Description
The sapwood is yellowish-white and the heartwood is pinkish-gray with dark variegations and golden highlights, slightly scented. The texture is fine to medium, the grain varies, and the density varies from 0.85 to 1.10. Drying and processing are difficult, however, it has excellent mechanical strength and durability.
Plant morphology
It is a deciduous tree up to 30 m tall, with a trunk diameter of 60 to 90 cm. The bark is grayish and fissured. The leaves are pinnate and leathery. The yellow flowers are gathered in catkins. The fruit is a double-winged samara.
Natural occurrence
Countries of origin and distribution
South Central America: Southeastern Brazil, Paraguay, Northern Argentina.
Habitat and ecology
A heliophilous, selectively hygrophilous species, it is found dispersed throughout many forest formations, except in the cerrado. More common on the more humid Atlantic coast, it is also present in primary forest where, apparently, it does not regenerate as it does in open areas.
Uses
Application areas
It is used in permanent constructions, including outdoor ones, stairs, windows and doors, as well as for furniture, cabinet making, turning, slicing and veneering, and artistic crafts.
Technical data
Aesthetic characteristics
Grain
Slightly obvious
Texture
Fine
Physical and mechanical properties
Density
ρ
ρ
780
kg/m3
Radial shrinkage
Rad. sh.
Rad. sh.
36
MPa
Tangential shrinkage
Tang. sh.
Tang. sh.
74
MPa
Bending strength
M.O.R.
M.O.R.
131
MPa
Modulus of Elasticity
M.O.E.
M.O.E.
-
MPa