Yanchama

Geographical Distribution: The distribution of the species was obtained from literature and herbal reports within the provinces of Amazonas, Huánuco, Pasco, Junín, Loreto, Madre de Dios and San Martín, between 0 and 1500 m. above sea level. Average amounts of this species can be found in the Peruvian Amazon.

The tree: 20 to 30 m. tall, 90 cm diameter. Straight trunk with no visible roots. Slightly dense, round or irregular top. The surface of the bark is dark gray, covered with appealing cracks arranged in sections in transverse rows. In certain areas, main bark comes apart in rectangular pieces. Main bark is white, changing to brown when exposed. lt's also fibrous; abundant, spicy, white (or yellowish) exudation flows quickly and that darkens when exposed. Whole bark is .5 to 2 cm thick.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE WOOD
Color: When freshly cut, sapwood (alburnum) is yellow and hardwood) duramen is similar. No contrast of colors between both layers. When dried in open air, alburnum turns white HUE 8/2 5Y and duramen turns pale yellow HUE 8/4 2.5Y (Munsell Soil Color Charts).

Fragrance Soft.
Shine or gloss Medium.
Grain Interbred.
Texture Thick.
Streaks or patterns Tangential cut defined by growth rings. (Cut R)
Streaked wide bands.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Yanchama is a moderately lightweight type of wood, showing low linear shrinkage and stable volumetric shrinkage. Mechanical resistance is in the limit of the medial rank.

Physical Properties
Primary density 0.44 g/CM3
Tangential contraction 7.00 %
Radial contraction 4.46 %
Volumetric contraction 10.80 %
T/R Ratio 1.50

Mechanical Properties
Module of elasticity in flexion 79,000 kg/cm2
Module of breakage in flexion 500.00 kg/cm2
Parallel compression (RM) 288.00 kg/CM2
Perpendicular Compression (ELP): 36.00 kg/cm2
Grain-parallel cut 69.00 kg/CM2
Hardness on the sides 283.00 kg/cm2
Firmness (Resistance to impact) 1.90 kg-m

TECHNICAL ADVICE
Wood has proved to have low to medium mechanical resistance. Sawing is difficult. Average performance when lathe shaped, molded or drilled. Good performance when polished. Natural drying is moderate, good performance when artificially dried in a mild setting.
Low natural durability, prone to fungus and insect attack.
Preservation is advisable. Easy to preserve through hot-cold bath and vacuum-pressure chamber.

USES
Wood is used in construction carpentry, indoor construction, lathe-shaped pieces, furniture, molding, cabinet-making, plates, shipping, toys. Its light weight and high level of porosity make it suitable to be used as a noise and heat-insulator.