Huamanzamana

Geographical Distribution: The distribution of the species was obtained from literature and herbal reports within the provinces of Amazonas, Huánuco, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Pasco, San Martín and Ucayali, between 0 and 1500 m. above sea level. The species is abundant because it's pioneering and grows as fast as "palo balso" or "topa" in the Peruvian Amazon.
The tree: 45 m. tall, straight round trunk, thick visible roots at its base. Top is made up of few quasi-vertical branches, crowned by a "crest" of large complex leaves. Surface of the bark is rough, light gray, spotted in greenish gray. Main bark is white, with a sweet smell that slightly resembles molasses and that darkens when exposed in the air.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE WOOD
Color: When freshly cut, sapwood (alburnum) is very pale brown and hardwood (duramen) is similar to alburnum. Contrast of colors between layers. Discoloration might be caused by fungus. When dried, alburnum turns pinkish white 8/2 7.5YR and duramen turns pale brown 7/4 10YR. (Munsell Soil Color Charts).

Fragrance Non-distinctive.
Shine or gloss Moderate.
Grain Straight.
Texture Medium.
Streaks or patterns: Defined by vascular lines.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Huamanzamana is a low-density, soft and lightweight type of wood, showing low linear shrinkage and stable volumetric shrinkage.
Mechanical resistance is in the limit of the low rank.

Physical Properties
Primary density 0.31 g/cm3
Tangential contraction 8.20 %
Radial contraction 5.40 %
Volumetric contraction 13.90 %
T/R Ratio 1.50

Mechanical Properties
Module of elasticity in flexion 89,000 kg/cm2
Module of breakage in flexion 62.00 kg/cm2
Parallel compression (RM) 313.00 kg/cm2
Perpendicular compression (ELP): 31.00 kg/cm2
Grain-parallel cut 61.00 kg/cm2
Hardness on the sides 192.00 kg/cm2
Firmness (Resistance to impact) 2.90 kg-m

TECHNICAL ADVICE
Wood is soft and light, easy to saw with regular tools and equipment. Good workability, with the exception of polishing, which causes granular surface that requires sanding in order to attain a good finish. Satisfactorily holds nails and screws, which penetrate easily.
Easy to dry. lt's advisable to dry up using artificial methods in a T5-C3 schedule to avoid malformations.
Low natural durability, apparently somehow resistant to blue-spot fungus, but prone to insect attack. Preservation is recommended right after extracted.

USES
Wood is used for poles, rods, light constructions and coffins because of its good quality and workability, even though it may not be long-lasting. Also used to obtain paper pulp.