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Blunting Effect
Boring
Carving
Comments
Common Names
Common Uses
Countries of Distribution
Cutting Resistance
Distribution Overview
Drying Defects
Ease of Drying
Environmental Profile
Family Name
Gluing
Grain
Heartwood Color
Kiln Drying Rate
Kiln Schedules
Luster
Mortising
Moulding
Movement in Service
Nailing
Natural Durability
Numerical Data
Odor
Painting
Planing
Polishing
Product Sources
References
Regions of Distribution
Resistance to Impregnation
Response to Hand Tools
Routing & Recessing
Sapwood Color
Scientific Name
Screwing
Staining
Steam Bending
Strength Properties
Synonyms
Texture
Trade Name
Tree Identification
Tree Size
Turning
Veneering Qualities

Scientific Name
Mora excelsa

Trade Name
Mora

Family Name
Leguminosae

Synonyms
Dimorphandra excelsa, Dimorphandra guianensis, Dimorphandra mora


Wood Image 1

Common Names
Alcornoque, Belarbre, Black mora, King tree, Mahot rouge, Mora, Mora bucquia, Mora de gulayana, Mora de guyana, Mora peto, Mora-yek, Moraballi, Moraboekea, Morabukea, Morade-guyana, Moreira, Muro, Nato, Nato rojo, Palaloea, Parakaua, Perakaua, Peto, Peto prakowa, Pracuuba, Pracuuba branca, Pracuuba vermelha, Prakue, Red mora, Roode, Roode more, Torore, White mora, Witte mora

Regions of Distribution
Central America, Latin America, Oceania and S.E. Asia

Countries of Distribution  [VIEW MAP]
Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela

Common Uses
Boat building (general), Boat building: decking, Boat building: framing, Bridge construction, Building construction, Building materials, Cabin construction, Charcoal, Construction, Crossties, Decks, Factory construction, Factory flooring, Flooring, Flooring: industrial heavy traffic, Furniture, Heavy construction, Joinery (external): ground contact, Joinery, Light construction, Marine construction, Mine timbers, Piling, Posts, Pulp/Paper products, Railroad ties, Shipbuilding, Sporting Goods, Sub-flooring, Tool handles, Turnery, Vehicle parts, Wharf construction, Wheels

Environmental Profile
Abundant/Secure
Status has not been officially assessed


Distribution Overview
The species occurs widely in the Guianas, and less frequently in the Orinoco Delta of Venezuela. It is a dominant species on river levees and flood plains, and forms dense stands.

Heartwood Color
White
Yellow
Brown
Red
Orange
Pink
Green/grey
Reddish brown
Dark brown
Dark brown
Purple
Brown
Yellowish-Red brown
Yellow to golden-yellow to orange
Red
Red - dark with light streaks
Pale brown


Sapwood Color
White
Yellow
Brown
Red
White to yellow
Well defined
Different than heartwood
Yellowish brown
Paler than heartwood


Grain
Interlocked
Straight
Figure
Rippled (figure)
Other (figure)
Even
Closed
Distinct (figure)
Wavy
Stripe (figure)

Interlocked
Straight
Rippled figure
Other figure
Grain is variable
Distinct figure
Wavy
Striped figure


Texture
Coarse
Coarse
Medium coarse to coarse
Medium
Fine to medium
Fine

Harsh to touch

Luster
High
Lustrous
Pronounced
Medium to High


Natural Durability
Non-durable
Perishable
Susceptible to insect attack
Resistant to termites
Non-resistant to marine borers
Non-resistant to powder post beetles
Non-resistant to termites
Resistant to powder post beetles
Durable
Susceptible to marine borer attack
Resistant to attack from termites (Isoptera)
Very durable
Susceptible to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles
Pinworms (ambrosia beetles) are commonly present
Moderately resistant to termite (Isoptera) attack
Heartwood susceptible to marine borers
Heartwood susceptible to dry-wood termite attack
Heartwood resistant to attack by white rot and brown rot fungi
Heartwood resistance is variable
Heartwood is susceptible to wood staining fungal attack


Odor
Slightly sour odor
Astingent tase


Kiln Schedules
Dry at a slow speed
UK=B US=T2C2/T2C1 Fr=2
Dry at a moderate speed
T2 - C2 (4/4) US
T2 - C1 (8/4) US
Kiln Drying Rate (in days) is slow


Drying Defects
Moderate twist/warp
Moderate surface checking
Slight surface checking
Slight collapse and honeycomb
Moderate cupping
Severe twisting/warping
Moderate end spitting
Material with boxed heart is liable to split
Improper stacking may cause warping


Ease of Drying
Fairly Easy
Difficult
Variable results.
Moderate
Stacking carefully and drying slowly yield best results


Kiln Drying Rate
Slow (18-28 days for boards < 32 mm, to 52-84 days for boards >= 63 mm)


Tree Identification
Bole/stem form is buttressed
Bole/stem form is cylindrical


Tree Size
Tree height is 20-30 m
Bole length is 10-20 m
Bole length is 0-10 m
Trunk diameter is 100-150 cm
Tree height is 30-40 m
Tree height is 10-20 m


Product Sources
The ITTO reports that the species is an important source of timber for local consumption. Export potential is rated as fair.

Comments
General finishing qualities are rated as good

Blunting Effect
Little
Blunting effect on machining is fairly severe
Blunting effect on sawing green wood is severe
Blunting effect on sawing dry wood is severe


Boring
Poor to very poor results
Straight grained wood bores well
Difficult


Carving
Fairly Easy to Very Easy


Cutting Resistance
Easy to saw
Cutting Resistance with green wood is difficult
Cutting Resistance with dry wood is difficult
Cutting Resistance with green wood is variable
Cutting resistance with dry wood is variable
Difficult but yields smooth surfaces
Cutting Resistance with green wood is moderate
Cutting Resistance with dry wood is moderate


Gluing
Poor to Very Poor Results


Mortising
Poor to Very Poor Results


Moulding
Poor to Very Poor Results
Difficult to mould


Movement in Service
Unstable with Poor Stability - Large Movement
Large


Nailing
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Poor to Very Poor Results
Very Good to Excellent Results
Fair to Good Results
Holds nails well
Possible if prebored
Easy to nail
Difficult to nail


Planing
Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Poor to Very Poor Results
Easy to plane
Planes well, to a good finish

The timber is reported to plane with moderate difficulty but straight-grained material produces smooth surfaces. Timber containing interlocked grain may chip and pick-up considerably.

Resistance to Impregnation
Permeable sapwood
Resistant heartwood
Resistant sapwood
Heartwood is resistant
Heartwood is extremely resistant
Sapwood is permeable


Response to Hand Tools
Easy to Work
Responds Readily
Fairly Difficult to Difficult to Work
Easy to machine
Difficult to machine
Moderate working qualities


Routing & Recessing
Poor to Very Poor Results
Moderately easy


Screwing
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Poor to Very Poor Results
Very Good to Excellent Results
Fair to Good Results


Turning
Poor to Very Poor Results
Easy to turn
Good results


Veneering Qualities
No drying degrade. Dries flat without splitting
Diifficult to veneer


Steam Bending
Moderate
Good


Painting
Poor to Very Poor Results


Polishing
Poor to Very Poor Results
Satisfactory results
Good results


Staining
Finish is generally satisfactory


Strength Properties
Density (dry weight) = 61-67 lbs/cu. ft.
Density (dry weight) = 53-60 lbs/cu. ft.
Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = high
Max. crushing strength = high
Max. crushing strength = very high
Hardness (side grain) = very hard
Shrinkage, Tangential = large
Shrinkage, Radial = large
Max. crushing strength = medium
Bending strength (MOR) = medium
Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = high
Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = medium
Bending strength (MOR) = very high
Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = very high
Hardness (side grain) = medium
Hardness (side grain) = hard
Bending strength (MOR) = low
Toughness-Hammer drop (Impact Strength) = low
Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = very low
Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = low
Density (dry weight) = 46-52 lbs/cu. ft.
Work to Maximum Load = low
Weight = very high
Shrinkage, Tangential = fairly large
Shrinkage, Radial = fairly large
Max. crushing strength = low
Density = very high
Compression strength (parallel to grain) = very high


Numerical Data
ItemGreenDryEnglish
Bending Strength1277721076psi
Crushing Strength10191254psi
Density62lbs/ft3
Hardness2425lbs
Impact Strength3341inches
Maximum Crushing Strength706111196psi
Shearing Strength2183psi
Static Bending885912779psi
Stiffness219326931000 psi
Toughness223inch-lbs
Work to Maximum Load1216inch-lbs/in3
Specific Gravity0.70.89
Weight6058lbs/ft3
Radial Shrinkage6%
Tangential Shrinkage10%
Volumetric Shrinkage19%
ItemGreenDryMetric
Bending Strength8981481kg/cm2
Crushing Strength7188kg/cm2
Density993kg/m3
Hardness1099kg
Impact Strength83104cm
Maximum Crushing Strength496787kg/cm2
Shearing Strength153kg/cm2
Static Bending622898kg/cm2
Stiffness1541891000 kg/cm2
Toughness256cm-kg
Work to Maximum Load0.841.12cm-kg/cm3
Specific Gravity0.70.89
Weight961929kg/m3
Radial Shrinkage6%
Tangential Shrinkage10%

References
Armstrong, F.H.,1960,The Strength Properties of Timber,Forest Products Research Laboratory, London Bulletin,No.45

Banks, C.H. and J.P. Schoeman. 1963. Railway Sleeper and Crossing Timbers. Bulletin No. 41, Republic of South Africa. The Government Printer, Pretoria, South Africa.

Banks, C.H., Schoeman, J.P., Otto, K.P.,1977,The Mechanical Properties of Timbers with particular reference to South,Africa,South African Forestry Research Institute Bulletin,(Ed.,Schoeman, J.P. 1973 & Otto K.P. 1976,No.48

Berni, C.A., Bolza, E., Christensen, F.J.,1979,South American Timbers - The Characteristics, Properties and Uses of 190,Species,C.S.I.R.O Div. Building Research

Boone, R.S., C.J. Kozlik, P.J. Bois, E.M. Wengert. 1988. Dry Kiln Schedules for Commercial Hardwoods - Temperate and Tropical. USDA, Forest Service, General Technical Report FPL-GTR-57, Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, Wisconsin.

Brooks, R.L., et al,1941,Durability tests on Untreated Timbers in Trinidad,Caribbean Forester,2(3,pp101-119

Brown, W.H.,1969,Properties and uses of Tropical hardwoods in the United Kingdom. Part 1,Nonstructural properties and uses.,Conference on Tropical hardwoods SC-5/TN-5, Syracuse University

Brown, W.H.,1978,Timbers of the World, No. 2 South America,TRADA, Red Booklet Series

Chichignoud, M., G. Deon, P. Detienne, B. Parant and P. Vantomme. 1990. Tropical Timber Atlas of Latin America. International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO, Centre Technique Forestier Tropical, Division of CIRAD, 45 bis Avenue de la Belle Gabrielle, Nogent-sur-Marne, CEDEX, France.

Chudnoff, M.,1984,Tropical Timbers of the World,U.S.A. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products,Laboratory, Madison.

Clifford, N.,1953,Commercial Hardwoods - Their Characteristics Identification and,Utilization,Sir Isaac Pitman & Sons Ltd. London

Donoso, J.,1972,Know your Woods - Mora,Guyana Forest Department, Forest Industries Newsletter,1(3,p1

Edmondson, C.H.,1949,Reaction of Woods from S.America and Caribbean areas to Marine Borers in,Hawaiian Waters,Caribbean Foresters,10(1,PP37-41

Erfurth, T., Rusche, H.,1976,The Marketing of Tropical Wood B. Wood Species from S. American Tropical,Moist Forests,F.A.O. Forestry Department

Fanshawe, D.B.,1948,Studies of the Trees of British Guiana Part 3,Tropical Woods,12(93,pp1-28

Fanshawe, D.B.,1954,Forest Products of British Guiana Part 1 Principal Timbers,Forest Department British Guiana Forestry Bulletin (New Series 2nd,Edition,No.1

Farmer, R.H.,1972,Handbook of Hardwoods,HMSO

Forest Products Research Laboratory, U.K.,1967,The Steam Bending Properties of various timbers,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough, Leaflet,No.45

Forest Products Research Laboratory, U.K.,1969,The Movement of Timbers,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough Technical Note,No.38

Guna et al, S.R.D.,1945,Notes on British Guiana Timbers,The 'Daily Chronicle' Ltd. Printers,28PP

Guyana Forestry Department,1951,British Guiana Timbers - Mora,British Guiana Forestry Department Leaflet,5,3pp

Higgins, H.G., et al,1973,Pulping of Tropical Hardwoods: Individual and Mixed Species Wood and Paper,Properties Resource Assessment,CSIRO Forest Products Lab. Div. Appl. Chem. Tech. Paper,No.70

HMSO. 1981. Handbook of Hardwoods, 2nd Edition. Revised by R.H. Farmer, Department of the Environment, Building Research Establishment, Princes Risborough Laboratory, Princes Risborough, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.

I.U.F.R.O.,1973,Veneer Species of the World,Assembled at F.P.L. Madison on behalf of I.U.F.R.O. Working Party on,Slicing and Veneer Cutting

Kribs, D.A.,1950,Commercial and Foreign Woods on the American Market (a manual to their,structure, identification, uses and distribution,U.S.A. Penn. State College, Tropical Woods Laboratory

Kukachka, B.F.,1970,Properties of Imported Tropical Woods,Forest Research Paper FPL 125

Lavers, G. M. 1966. The Strength Properties of Timbers. Forest Products Research Bulletin, No. 50. Ministry of Technology, Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London.

Lavers, G.M.,1983,The Strength Properties of Timber (3rd ed. revised Moore G.L.,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough, Building Research,Establishment Report (formerly Bulletin No.50)

Longwood, F.R.,1962,Commercial Timbers of the Caribbean,U.S.A. Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Handbook,No.207

Marshall, R.C.,1934,Trees of Trinidad and Tobago,Government Printer Port of Spain Trinidad

Marshall, R.C.,1939,Silviculture of the trees of Trinidad and Tobago - British West Indies,O.U.P.,London

Patterson, D.,1988,Commercial Timbers of the World, 5th Edition,Gower Technical Press

Polak, A.M.,1992,Major Timber Trees of Guyana A Field Guide,The Tropenbos Foundation Wageningen, The Netherlands

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

Rendle, B.J.,1969,World Timbers (3 Vols.,Ernest Benn Ltd. London

Sallenave, P.,1971,Proprietes Physiques et Mecaniques des Bois Tropicaux (Deuxieme,Supplement,C.T.F.T.

Smith, D.N.,1959,The Natural Durability of Timber,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough, Building Research,Establishment Record,No.30

Stone, H.,1924,The Timbers of Commerce and their Identification,William Rider & Sons Ltd. London

Surinam Forest Service,1952,Surinam Timber - A Summary with brief descriptions of the main timber,species of Surinam,Surinam Forest Service

Takahashi, A.,1975,Compilation of data on the Mechanical Properties of Foreign Woods (Part 2,Central and South America,Shimane University, Japan, Research Report on Foreign Wood No.4

Tamolang, F.N., Martawijaya, A., Kartasujana, I., Kadir, K., Parwira, S.,1992,Indonesian Wood Atlas Volume II,Department of Forestry, Agency for Forestry Research and Development,,Bogor-Indonesia

Timber Development Association Ltd.,1955,World Timbers (3 Vols.,Timber Development Association Ltd.

Timber Development Association,1948,Some New Timbers and Their Uses No. 34,Timber Development Association Limited, London [TRADA]

Titmuss, F.H.,1965,Commercial Timbers of the World,Technical Press Ltd., London, 3rd edition

Vink, A.T.,1965,Surinam Timbers,Surinam Forest Service Paramaribo,3rd rev. ed.

Wangaard, F.F., and A.F. Muschler. 1952. Tropical Woods - Properties and Uses of Tropical Woods, Volume III, No. 98. School of Forestry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut.

Wangaard, F.F., W.L. Stern, and S.L. Goodrich. 1955. Tropical Woods - Properties and Uses of Tropical Woods, Volume V, No. 103. School of Forestry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut.

Woods, R.P.,1949,Timbers of South America,TRADA, Red Booklet Series









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