Ocotea porosa
Specifications
Family
Lauraceae
Species
Ocotea porosa (Nees & Mart.) Barroso
brazilian walnut
Description
The sapwood is light in color, not always distinguishable from the yellowish to olive-brown heartwood. The texture is fine, the grain variable, and the density ranges from 0.60 to 0.80. When fresh, it is fragrant. Processing dust is irritating. It tends to collapse during drying.
Plant morphology
It is a tree growing to 15-20 m tall with a short, grooved trunk 50-150 cm in diameter and grayish, exfoliating bark. The leaves are simple, lanceolate, petiolate, and leathery. The terminal inflorescences bear small, fragrant yellowish flowers. The fruits are dark purple, globose drupes containing a single, large seed.
Natural occurrence
Countries of origin and distribution
South America: subtropical zone of southern Brazil, Paraguay, northern Argentina.
Habitat and ecology
A heliophilous semi-deciduous species, it typically colonizes open mountainous areas of secondary forest.
Uses
Use class
CU1
CU2
CU3
CU4
CU5
Application areas
It is used in flooring, window frames, furniture, interior design, and veneer.
Technical data
Aesthetic characteristics
Grain
Obvious
Texture
Fine
Physical and mechanical properties
Density
ρ
ρ
710
kg/m3
Radial shrinkage
Rad. sh.
Rad. sh.
33
MPa
Tangential shrinkage
Tang. sh.
Tang. sh.
68
MPa
Bending strength
M.O.R.
M.O.R.
84
MPa
Modulus of Elasticity
M.O.E.
M.O.E.
9260
MPa
Durability characteristics
Fungal resistance
Moderatamente durabile
Insect resistance
Resistant
Miscellaneous
Given the conservation status of the species in nature, the use of this wood should be avoided.