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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 Cutting Resistance Drying Defects Family Name Gluing Grain Heartwood Color Luster Nailing Natural Durability Numerical Data Planing Polishing References Regions of Distribution Response to Hand Tools Sapwood Color Scientific Name Screwing Strength Properties Synonyms Texture Trade Name Tree Size Scientific Name Platypodium elegans Trade Name Cajon Family Name Leguminosae Synonyms Platypodium maxonianum Common Names Cajon, Canoeto, Carcuera, Drague, Jacaranda branco, Jacaranda do campo, Jayo, Lomo de caiman Regions of Distribution Central America, Latin America Countries of Distribution  [VIEW MAP] Brazil, Panama Common Uses Heavy construction, Joinery, Light construction Heartwood Color Brown Red Purple Sapwood Color Pink White to yellow Grain Figure Other (figure) Other figure Texture Medium Fine Fine Luster Low Pronounced Lustrous Natural Durability Durable Susceptible to insect attack Non-resistant to powder post beetles Non-resistant to termites Resistant to termites Drying Defects Splitting Distortion Tree Size Tree height is 10-20 m Bole length is 0-10 m Tree height is 0-10 m Tree height is 20-30 m Trunk diameter is 100-150 cm Comments General finishing qualities are rated as good Cutting Resistance Easy to saw Gluing Fairly Easy to Very Easy Nailing Fairly Easy to Very Easy Planing Fair to Good Results Very Good to Excellent Results Response to Hand Tools Easy to Work Easy to machine Screwing Fairly Easy to Very Easy Polishing Fair to Good Results Very Good to Excellent 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 51 lbs/ft3 Weight 50 40 lbs/ft3 Item Green Dry Metric Density 817 kg/m3 References Mainieri, C.,1970,Madeiras Brasilieras,Sao Paulo Secretaria da Agricultra, Institulo Florestral Record, S.J., Hess, R.W.,1943,Timbers of the New World,Yale University Press