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Clicking any heading in the main data area (at right) will scroll the page back to this top position. Use the following links to jump to the associated section in the main data. Comments Common Names Common Uses Countries of Distribution Family Name Grain Heartwood Color Light-Induced Color Change Luster Natural Durability Numerical Data Polishing References Regions of Distribution Response to Hand Tools Sapwood Color Scientific Name Strength Properties Synonyms Texture Toxicity Trade Name Tree Size Scientific Name Ichthyomethia piscipula Trade Name Alejo Family Name Leguminosae Synonyms Piscidia erythrina, Piscidia piscipula, Erythrina piscipula, Ichthyomethia communis Common Names Alejo, Anipak, Arepo, Barbasco, Barbasco amarillo, Barbasco de arbol, Baura, Black dogwood, Bois a enivrer, Chijol, Cocuile, Cocuite, Colorin de peces, Dogwood, Fish poison, Fishfuddletree, Fishpoisontree, Flor de pagallo, Guama candelon, Guama de costa, Guamo hediondo, Haabi, Haabin, Habi, Habim, Habin, Jabin, Jamaica dogwood, Javin, Jebe, May bush, Palo blanco, Palo blanco duro, Palo de zope, Piscidia, Talzungo, Tiaxab, Tuncuy, Ventiera, Ventura, Zatzumbo, Zopilocuavo Regions of Distribution Central America, North America, Oceania and S.E. Asia Countries of Distribution  [VIEW MAP] Cuba, Mexico, United States Common Uses Charcoal, Fuelwood, Heavy construction, Light construction, Poles, Posts, Railroad ties, Vehicle parts, Wheel spokes Heartwood Color Purple Red Brown Yellow to golden-yellow to orange Brown Pale brown Greenish to greyish Sapwood Color White to yellow Well defined Same as heartwood Grain Figure Even Other (figure) Straight Other figure Straight Figure shows patterns other than those generally described Texture Medium Fine Coarse Medium Luster Lustrous Pronounced Natural Durability Durable Susceptible to insect attack Moderately durable Resistant to powder post beetles Very durable Non durable Durable Light-Induced Color Change Darker Toxicity Unspecified toxicity Tree Size Tree height is 0-10 m Bark width is 5-10 mm Comments General finishing qualities are rated as good Response to Hand Tools Difficult to machine Easy to machine Polishing Satisfactory results Good results Strength Properties Density (dry weight) = 53-60 lbs/cu. ft Density (dry weight) = 46-52 lbs/cu. ft. Numerical Data Item Green Dry English Density 53 lbs/ft3 Weight 52 42 lbs/ft3 Item Green Dry Metric Density 849 kg/m3 References Britton, N.L., Millspaugh, C.F.,1920,The Bahama Flora,Britton & Millspaugh,New York Fors, A.J.,1965,Maderas Cubanas,Inst. Nac. Ref. Agraria La Habara Record, S.J., Hess, R.W.,1943,Timbers of the New World,Yale University Press Record, S.J., Mell, C.D.,1924,Timbers of Tropical America,Yale Univ. Press Swabey, C.,1941,The Principal Timbers of Jamaica,Department of Science and Agriculture Jamaica Bulletin No.29 Wood, B., Calnan, D.,1976,Toxic Woods,British Journal of Dermat 94 Suppl. 13