Copaiba

Geographical Distribution: The distribution of the species was obtained from literature and herbal reports within the provinces of Loreto and Ucayali, between 0 and 500 m above sea level. Average amounts of this species can be found in the Peruvian Amazon.

The tree: 30 m tall, 60 cm diameter. Shiny dark green top. The surface of the bark ranks from olive yellow to grayish chestnut brown. Smooth appearance. Yellow main bark. Abundant, oily, crystal, resin-like substance oozes down.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE WOOD
Color: When trunk is freshly cut, sapwood (alburnum) is beige and hardwood (duramen) is reddish chestnut brown, with dark streaks. Great contrast of colors between layers. When dried in open air, alburnum turns pinkish white HUE 8/2 7.5YR and duramen turns yellowish red HUE 5/6 5YR with oily dark grain. (Munsell Soil Color Charts),

Fragrance Distinctive and pleasant
Shine or gloss Medium.
Grain Straight.
Texture Medium to delicate.
Streaks or patterns: Overlapped arches, narrow and dark longitudinal bands.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Copaiba is a heavy type of wood that depicts low linear shrinkage and moderately stable volumetric shrinkage. Mechanical resistance is in the limit of medial and high ranks.
Physical Properties
Primary density 0.61 g/CM3
Tangential contraction 7.00 %
Radial contraction 3.40 %
Volumetric contraction 10.70 %
T/R Ratio 2.30

:Mechanical Properties
Module of elasticity in flexion 112,000 kg/Cm2
Module of breakage in flexion 736.00 kg/CM2
Parallel compression (RM) 268.00 kg/CM2
Perpendicular compression (ELP) 74.00 kg/CM2
Grain-parallel cut 99.00 kg/cm2
Hardness on the sides 587.00 kg/cm2
Firmness (Resistance to impact) 3.40 kg-m

TECHNICAL ADVICE
Wood is relatively easy to saw, good workability when carved. Average mechanical resistance.
Moderately low natural drying process.
Natural durability from low to medium, resistant to biological attack. Damp wood resistant to biological attack. During preservation, alburnum is penetrated rather well, as opposed to duramen which is not easy to preserve.

USES
Wood can be used in poles, columns, dovetail joints, furniture and lathe-shaped objects. It is also used in carpentry, floors, indoor wood panels, floor tiles, plywood, inlaid floors, boxes, moldings, plank molds and laminates. Due to its qualities, it may substitute Oregon pine. If preserved, it might be used for supports or fence poles. Suitable for particle boards and wood-cement boards.