Yacushapana

Geographical Distribution: The distribution of the species was obtained from literature and herbal reports within the provinces of Amazonas, Huánuco, Junín, Loreto, Madre de Dios and San Martín, between 0 and 3000 m. above sea level. Only average amounts of the species can be found because of being a pioneering, fast-growing species in the Peruvian Amazon.
The tree: 35 m. tall, 100 cm diameter. Slightly twisted trunk and main branches, up to 4 m. tall, 5 to 10 cm thick and 20 cm wide at its base. Balloon-like top. The surface of the trunk is reddish brown to greenish in young trees. Dead bark comes apart in very irregular, paper-looking sheets which appear to be rigid, 5 to 20 cm long, different shapes, leaving brighter areas in different shades. Main bark goes from pinkish beige to light pink. Whole bark might measure up to 1 cm thick.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE WOOD
Color: When freshly cut, sapwood (alburnum) is beige and hardwood (duramen) in pale brown. Slight and gradual contrast of colors between both layers. When dried in open air, alburnum turns pale yellow HUE 8/3 5Y and duramen turns yellowish brown HUE 5/6 10YR. (Munsell Soil Color Charts).

Fragrance Distinctive and pleasant.
Shine or gloss Medium to high.
Grain Straight and regular.
Texture Medium to delicate.
Streaks or patterns: Good definition. Overlapped arches produced by growth rings.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Yacushapana is a heavy type of wood that shows low fine ar shrinkage and stable volumetric shrinkage.
Mechanical resistance is in the limit of the medial rank.

Physical Properties
Primary density 0.73 g/cm3
Tangential contraction 8.59 %
Radial contraction 4.93 %
Volumetric contraction 12.30 %
T/R Ratio 1.76

Mechanical Properties
Module of elasticity in flexion 127,000 kg/cm2
Module of breakage in flexion 807.00 kg/cm2
Parallel compression (RM) 472.00 kg/cm2
Perpendicular compression (ELP) 96.00 kg/cm2
Grain-parallel cut 111.00 kg/cm2
Hardness on the sides 768.00 kg/cm2
Firmness (Resistance to impact) 5.3 kg-m

TECHNICAL ADVICE
Due to its hardness, interbred grain and contents of silica, the use of star-shaped saws is recommended.
Performs well when artificially dried in a mild setting for two-inch thickness.
Good natural durability, it's resistant against the attack of fungus, even though sawed wood might develop a malformation called "ojo de pescado" (fish eye). No preservation required.

USES
Wood is locally used for construction in general, piles, columns, floors, railway sleepers, floor tiles, dove-tail joints, decorative plates and sports gear.