Peltophorum dubium
Specifications
Family
Fabaceae
Species
Peltophorum dubium (Spreng.) Taub.
horsebush
copperpod
Description
The sapwood is whitish and the heartwood is pinkish-brown, often variegated with purple streaks, with a coarse texture, irregular grain and a density of 0.80 to 1. Despite its hardness, it is easy to work with; its mechanical resistance is good.
Plant morphology
It is a tree 15 to 25 m tall, with a trunk diameter of 50-70 cm. The leaves are bipinnate, and the inflorescence is a terminal raceme of golden-yellow flowers from December to February. The fruit is an indehiscent legume, with one to two very hard seeds.
Natural occurrence
Countries of origin and distribution
South America: Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina.
Habitat and ecology
A heliophilous deciduous species in pioneer successional stages, it is characteristic of semi-deciduous forests along the Paraná River. It is also widespread on deep, moist, clayey substrates along riverbanks, sometimes in primary forest, but more frequently in areas of secondary growth.
Uses
Application areas
It is used in building structures, railway sleepers, furniture, and turning.
Technical data
Aesthetic characteristics
Grain
Obvious
Texture
Coarse
Physical and mechanical properties
Density
ρ
ρ
860
kg/m3
Radial shrinkage
Rad. sh.
Rad. sh.
35
MPa
Tangential shrinkage
Tang. sh.
Tang. sh.
77
MPa
Bending strength
M.O.R.
M.O.R.
96
MPa