Tahuari

Geographical Distribution: The distribution of the species was obtained from literature and herbal reports within the provinces of Amazonas, Huánuco, Madre de Dios and San Martín, between 0 and 1500 m. above sea level. Small to average amounts can be found in the Peruvian Amazon. The tree: 36 m. tall. High-quality to average pieces ranging from 15 to 20 m. long and 35 to 55 cm diameter. None or thick, poorly-developed visible roots. Balloon-like, dark-green top. The surface of the bark is yellowish chestnut-brown at its base and graying or beige at the top. Rough appearance, superficial fissures and longitudinal cracks. Sheeted, yellowish main bark.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE WOOD
Color: When freshly cut, sapwood (alburnum) is yellowish and hardwood (duramen) is dark brown. Great and abrupt contrast of colors between both layers. When dried in open air, alburnum turns yellow HUE 8/6 2.5 Y and duramen turns yellowish brown HUE 5/6 10YR with yellowish streaks. (Munsell Soil Color Charts).

Fragrance Non-distinctive.
Shine or gloss Low to medium.
Grain Straight to interbred.
Texture Delicate.
Streaks or patterns: Overlapped arches defined by yellowish streaks. Discontinued narrow bands.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Tahuari is a very heavy kind of wood, showing low linear shrinkage and stable volumetric shrinkage.
Mechanical resistance is in the limit of high ranks.

Physical Properties
Primary density 0.92 g/CM3
Tangential contraction 8,88 %
Radial contraction 5.69 %
Volumetric contraction 13.85 %
T/R Ratio 1.56

Mechanical Properties
Module of elasticity in flexion 198,000 kg/cm2
Module of breakage in flexion 1,436 kg/cm2
Parallel compression (RM) 786 kg/cm2
Perpendicular compression (ELP) 128 kg/cm2
Grain-parallel cut 152 kg/cm2
Hardness on the sides 1,043 kg/cm2
Firmness (Resistance to impact) 6.5 kg-m

TECHNICAL ADVICE
Wood is sawed with difficulty due to is high durability, star shaped saws are required. Generates thin dust that causes irritation, masks and goggles are necessary when processing t. Dry wood is even tougher when worked on. High-speed, steel plane and widia milling cutter. Natural drying is slow. Artificial drying must be carried out in a mild setting to reduce risks or warping or cracking. Good natural durability, not prone to biological attack, no preservation needed.

USES
Wood is used in heavy constructions, car bodies, carpentry, railway sleepers, floor, floor files, tool handles, poles, bridges, underwater constructions.