Jatoba

Jatoba

Durability:

Moderately durable, but non-durable when a high proportion of sapwood is present. It is very resistant to termites and extremely resistant to preservative treatment.

Mechanical Properties:

Very strong, hard and tough with a very good bending classification. Jatoba wood is rated as being very durable in regards to rot resistance, and is also resistant to termites and most other insects.

Seasoning:

Rather difficult to dry,tends to be rapid with moderatesurface checking and warping and a liability to case harden. Slow drying will overcome these tendencies. There is small movement in service.

Uses:

  • Jatoba is excellent for flooring, stair treads, ship planking, general woodworking joinery and building construction
  • Its high shock resistance and extreme hardness and strength makes it ideal for tool handles and sports goods
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Description

Jatoba timber, also known as Brazilian cherry, has heartwood that is salmon red to orange-brown, marked with dark brown and russet brown streaks. The wood has a golden lustre. The grain is commonly interlocked with a medium to coarse texture. Weight 910kg/m³ (56lb/ft³); specific gravity .91.

Additional information

Latin Name

Hymenaea courbaril

Family Name

Leguminosae

Distribution

Central and South America and West Indies

Also know as

Jutaby, courbaril, jatai amerelo, jatai vermelho (Brazil); locust (Suriname); copal (Equador); marbre (Guadaloupe); guapinal (Mexico); algarrobo (Puerto Rico)

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