ARARACANGA - PUMAQUIRO (PERÚ)
TECHNICAL CARD
| Species : | Aspidosperma macrocarpon Mart. |
| Family : | Apocynaceae |
| Synonym : | Aspidosperma platuphyllum M. Arg. Aspidosperma verbacifolium M. Arg., Aspidosperma gardneri. M. Arg. |
| Commun Names : | Perú: pumaquiro. Bolivia: gabetillo Brasil: maparaná pau marfim, aracanga. Colombia: canelo, cestillo. México: voladro. Venezuela amargo: amarillo, cabo de hacha |
| International Business Name : |
Araracanga |
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SPECIES
Geographical distribution: Found in the transition areas from Perú mountain Very humid Forest (bmh-PM) to Tropical Humid Forest (bh-T), in primary and secondary growth forests up to 700 m (2296 feet) above sea level. Widespread in South America from the central and western Amazon to Paraguay . In Peru distribution includes in primary not flooded forests in Loreto, Ucayali , Pasco and San Martin departments. Generally grows in association with Spondias spp., Caryocar spp., Inga spp., Jacaranda spp., Schizolobium spp.
The tree: Straight cylinder-shaped trunk with average 22m (72 feet) commercial height and average chest height diameter reaching 0,55 m (21,65 inches). Grayish brown laburnum with deep channel fissures. Compact texture. Duramen is cream color. Small quantities of whitish latex ooze.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE WOOD
Color: Newly cut trunk shows yellow alburnum and reddish yellow duramen with gradual transition between layers. When dried in the open air laburnum turns yellow HUE 8/6 10YR and duramen turns 6/6 7.5YR reddish yellow (Munsell Soil Color Charts).
| Fragrance: | Typical |
| Shine or gloss: | Moderate to shiny |
| Grain: | Interwoven |
| Texture: | Delicate |
| Streaks or patterns: | Overlapping arches, parallel satin longitudinal bands. |
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Physical Properties
| Primary density : | 0,67 gr / cm 3 |
| Tangencial contraction : | 8,00 % |
| Radial contraction : | 4,10 % |
| Volumetric contraction : | 11,800 % |
| T/R Ratio : | 2,10 |
Mechanical Properties
| Module of elasticity in flexion : | 148 000 kg/cm2 |
| Module of breakage in flexion : | 955 kg/cm2 |
| Parallel compression (RM) : | 522 kg/cm2 |
| Perpendicular compression (ELP) : | 96 kg/cm2 |
| Grain-parallel cut : | 122 kg/cm2 |
| Hardness on the sides : | 739 kg/cm2 |
| Firmness (Resistence to impact) : | 390 kg - m |
TECHNICAL ADVICE
Pumaquiro is a heavy Wood. Volumetric shrinkage is intermediate to moderate. Shrinkage ration points to stable condition and good drying behavior. Compares well to similar density species including yellow birch , white ash , maple , white oak and Oregon pinewood .
A comparison with species of similar density shows this wood has more resistance across all mechanical properties than white oak, white ash tree, Oregon pine wood, yellow birch and rates slightly better when compared for breakage and elasticity (static flexion mode) and end hardness.
Wood is moderately easy to work using machines. May cause skin itch when sawn humid. Bark sheds skin irritating fluff or lint. High to very high mechanical resistance results in average workability. Responds well to moderate to low artificial drying program. Good natural durability and fungi attack resistance. Moderate response to warm-cold bath treatment. Easy to treat using vacuum-pressure technique.
USES
May be used in general purpose structures, furniture making and woodworking, flooring, interior finishing, lathe work, carving, tool handlres, and sports and faro equipment. Also in heavy duty construction including bridges, mine supports, heavy containers and boat keels.
