Massaranduba

Durability:

Similar or superior to greenheart in bending strength, shock resistance, hardness, shear and in across-the-grain properties of compression and tension, but slightly weaker than greenheart in compression parallel to the grain (crushing strength) and in elastic resilience in bending, and quite inferior in stiffness.

Strength Class = D60;
Weight per m3 12% m.c. = 1100 Kg;
Modulus of elasticity 12% m.c. = 24410 N/mm2;
Durability = Very Durable.
Modulus of elasticity 12% m.c. = 24410 N/mm2;
Durability = Very Durable.

Mechanical Properties:

Medium to easy - Massaranduba lumber is moderately easy to work despite its high density. It machines and finishes to a very smooth surface. The timber takes polish fine and has the appearance of walnut. Gluing requires special care because of the wood's resistance to absorption of moisture.

Seasoning:

Massaranduba wood is generally reported to be difficult to dry, tending to develop severe checking, warp and case hardening, and requiring care in piling to assure a slow rate of drying. However, reports from Puerto Rico state that 25mm lumber was air dried to 19 percent moisture content in four months with only a small amount of degradation in the form of very slight cups, crook and bow, and without apparent surface checking.

Uses:

  • Massaranduba, also known as Bulletwood, is used for Bridge construction, Decking, Flooring, Heavy structural use and Wharf construction
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Description

Massaranduba timber’s heartwood is light red to rose red when freshly cut, turning dark reddish brown on exposure; sapwood whitish or pale brown,distinct, but not sharply demarcated from the heart-wood. The grain is usually straight but sometimes interlocked, and the texture is fine and uniform. The timber is hard and extremely heavy.

Additional information

Latin Name

Manilkara bidentata

Family Name

Sapotaceae

Distribution

The trees are native to the West Indies, Central America, and northern South America

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