| The heartwood is dark chocolate-brown in colour with conspicuous paler markings, giving a decorative appearance which may be enhanced on quartered surface by a stripe figure. The sapwood is whitish, sharply demarcated from the heartwood. Grain is interlocked, sometimes irregular and the texture is moderately coarse. The bole is 18-21m in length and diameter 40-60(-100) cm. |
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| Physical and Mechanical Properties |
| A heavy, strong, durable wood possessing high strength properties. Medium shrinkage, relatively stable once dry. |
| Air dried density (12%) - 910kg/m3 |
| Bending strength (at 12%) - 156 N/mm2 |
| Modulus of elasticity (at 12%) - 18000 N/mm2 |
| Crushing strength (at 12%) - 88 N/mm2 |
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| Natural Durability |
| Very resistant to decay even under exacting conditions of use. Highly resistant to fungi and termite attacks. |
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| Treatability |
| Poor |
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| Timber Processing |
| Drying - Dries readily but slowly, without distortion or checking. |
| Working - Difficult to work due of its high density and interlocked and irregular grain, but can be finished to a smooth surface. Turns well. |
| Assembly - Glues well and holds nails and screws hold well. |
| Finishing - Polishes satisfactorily after filling. |
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| Uses |
| Has a decorative appearance and is of interest for turned work and as a veneer for inlays in high grade furniture. Suitable for exterior and interior joinery, turnery, paneling and tool handles. A very useful timber with many applications. |
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| Availability and Location |
| Occurs widely but not abundantly in the Guyana forests. Regular supplies in modest quantities are available. |
