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Blunting Effect
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
Moulding
Movement in Service
Nailing
Natural Durability
Numerical Data
Odor
Planing
Polishing
Product Sources
References
Regions of Distribution
Resistance to Impregnation
Response to Hand Tools
Sanding
Sapwood Color
Scientific Name
Screwing
Staining
Steam Bending
Strength Properties
Texture
Trade Name
Tree Identification
Tree Size
Turning
Veneering Qualities

Scientific Name
Ocotea rubra

Trade Name
Determa

Family Name
Lauraceae

Wood Image 1

Wood Image 1

Common Names
Baaka, Bewana, Braloc, Cirouaballi, Determa, Grignon, Grignon franc, Grignon rouge, Grignon rougre, Ishpingo maraco, Laurier, Laurier canelle, Louro rojo, Louro rosa, Louro vermelho, Louru vermelho, Red louro, Surinam mahogany, Teteroma, Teteruma, Wana, Wane, Wanu

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

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

Common Uses
Barge fenders, Beams, Boat building (general), Boat building, Boat building: decking, Boat building: framing, Boat building: planking, Boxes and crates, Bridge construction, Building construction, Cabin construction, Cabinetmaking, Canoes, Carvings, Chairs, Chests, Concealed parts (Furniture), Concrete formwork, Construction, Cooperages, Decks, Decorative plywood, Desks, Dining-room furniture, Docks, Dockwork, Domestic flooring, Door, Dowell pins, Dowells, Drawer sides, Excelsior, Factory construction, Fine furniture, Floor lamps, Flooring, Food containers, Form work, Foundation posts, Framing, Furniture , Furniture components, Furniture squares or stock, Furniture, Harbor work, Hatracks, Heavy construction, Joinery (external): ground contact, Joinery, Joists, Light construction, Marine construction, Millwork, Moldings, Paneling, Parquet flooring, Piling, Plywood corestock, Plywood, Poles, Pulp/Paper products, Railroad ties, Roofing, Structural work, Turnery, Vats, Vehicle parts, Veneer: decorative, Wharf construction

Environmental Profile
Status has not been officially assessed


Distribution Overview
The species occurs in the Guianas, Trinidad, and the lower Amazon region of Brazil. It grows on sandy or loamy soils in Guyana.

Heartwood Color
Brown
Red
White
Yellow
Pink
Purple
Orange
Reddish brown
Red
Yellow to golden-yellow to orange
Pale red to pink
Pale reddish brown

The color of the heartwood is described as light reddish-brown with a golden sheen

Sapwood Color
White
Yellow
White to yellow
Different than heartwood
Well defined
Yellowish brown
Paler than heartwood
Grey
Clearly differentiated from the heartwood


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

Straight
Distinct figure
Other figure
Interlocked
Wavy
Striped figure

An attractive figure is occasionally present on quartersawn surfaces

Texture
Fine
Medium
Coarse
Fair to medium coarse


Luster
Medium
Lustrous
Pronounced


Natural Durability
Moderately durable
Resistant to termites
Very durable
Perishable
Resistant to marine borers
Non-durable
Susceptible to insect attack
Resistant to powder post beetles
Durable
Resistant to attack from marine borers
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
Moderately resistant to marine borer attack
Resistant to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles
Pinworms (ambrosia beetles) often present in the standing tree
Pinworms (ambrosia beetles) may be present in the felled log
Heartwood resist, particularly to attack by white rot
Heartwood resistant to brown rot
Heartwood moderately resistant to dry-wood termite attack
Excellent weathering characteristics

Resistance to marine-borers is rated as similar to that of teak

Odor
Seasoned material has no specific odor or taste


Kiln Schedules
Dry at a moderate speed
UK=E US=T6D2/T3D1 Fr=5
Dry at a slow speed
Kiln Drying Rate (in days) is slow
T6 - D2 (4/4); T3 - D1 (8/4) US
Schedule E - United Kingdom
Kiln Drying Rate (in days) is rather slow


Drying Defects
Checking
Internal Honeycombing Possible
Collapse
Distortion
Splitting
Moderate surface checking
Moderate twist/warp
Slight surface checking
Moderate end spitting
Slight twist/warp
Slight end splitting
Moderate collapse and honeycombing
No cupping, generally
Slight spring/bow
No twisting or warping
Moderate spring/bow
Moderate cupping
May warp
May check

Air-Drying may cause the wood to check slightly and warp moderately. Kiln-drying may also cause the timber to check and warp.

Ease of Drying
Fairly Easy
Slowly
Difficult
Moderate
Easy
Fairly difficult to dry
Air dries at a moderate rate


Kiln Drying Rate
Naturally dries slowly
Slow
Drying rate is slow
Naturally dries at a moderate speed
Very slow (>28 days for boards < 32 mm, to >84 days for boards >= 63 mm)
Slow (18-28 days for boards < 32 mm, to 52-84 days for boards >= 63 mm)


Tree Identification
Bole/stem form is not buttressed
Bole/stem form is cylindrical
Bole/stem form is buttressed


Tree Size
Tree height is 30-40 m
Tree height is 20-30 m
Sapwood width is 10-15 cm
Sapwood width is 5-10 cm
Bole length is 10-20 m
Bole length is 20-30 m
Trunk diameter is 100-150 cm


Product Sources
The ITTO reports that the species is an important source of timber. The timber is exported regularly, and is imported from Brazil into Venezuela, Germany, China, and Japan.

Comments
A lesser-known-species from tropical America. It is superior to yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis) in tension and compression perpendicular to grain, and is close to white oak (Quercus alba) in static bending and compression parallel to grain.

General finishing qualities are rated as good

General finishing qualities are rated as poor

Blunting Effect
Little
Blunting effect on machining is slight
Blunting effect on sawing dry wood is moderate
Slight dulling effect on cutting tools


Cutting Resistance
Easy to saw
Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult to saw
Cutting Resistance with dry wood is easy


Gluing
Easy to glue
Difficult to glue
Very good properties


Moulding
Very Good to Excellent Results
Fair to Good Results


Movement in Service
Excellent Stability - Small Movement
Small
Medium


Nailing
Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Pre-Boring Recommended
Easy to nail
Holds nails well


Planing
Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult
Easy to plane
Slight dulling effect on cutting edges
Responds well to ordinary tools in mortising

It planes, turns, bores, moulds, and mortises rather well.

Resistance to Impregnation
Resistant heartwood
Resistant sapwood
Heartwood is extremely resistant
Sapwood is moderately resistant
Heartwood is resistant


Response to Hand Tools
Fairly Difficult to Difficult to Work
Easy to Work
Easy to machine


Sanding
Very Good to Excellent Results
Fair to Good Results


Screwing
Pre-boring recommended
Easy to screw


Turning
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Very Good to Excellent Results
Fair to Good Results
Easy to turn


Veneering Qualities
Suitable for peeling
Veneers easily
Suitable for slicing
Veneers moderately easy
Drying degrade is often moderate to severe, with collapse, buckles, and splilts
Diifficult to veneer


Steam Bending
Moderate
Good


Polishing
Fair to Good Results
Good results
Fairly good polishing characteristics


Staining
Fair to Good Results
Finish is generally satisfactory


Strength Properties
Bending strength (MOR) = medium
Max. crushing strength = medium
Shrinkage, Radial = small
Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = low
Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = medium
Hardness (side grain) = very soft
Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = very low
Hardness (side grain) = soft
Shrinkage, Tangential = moderate
Density (dry weight) = 38-45 lbs/cu. ft.
Max. crushing strength = high
Shrinkage, Tangential = large
Bending strength (MOR) = low
Shrinkage, Volumetric = large
Shrinkage, Volumetric = small
Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = low
Shrinkage, Volumetric = fairly large
Shrinkage, Tangential = fairly large
Shrinkage, Radial = moderate
Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = medium
Shrinkage, Volumetric = moderate
Shrinkage, Radial = large
Shrinkage, Radial = fairly large
Density (dry weight) = 31-37 lbs/cu. ft.
Weight = heavy
Very dense
Surfaces may dent or scratch easily
Soft
Shrinkage, Tangential = very small
Shrinkage, Radial = very small
Max. crushing strength = low
Density (dry weight) = 46-52 lbs/cu. ft.
Compression strength (parallel to grain) = low


Numerical Data
ItemGreenDryEnglish
Bending Strength845313593psi
Crushing Strength539627psi
Density40lbs/ft3
Hardness657lbs
Maximum Crushing Strength45286753psi
Shearing Strength1165psi
Static Bending53127487psi
Stiffness150417901000 psi
Toughness74inch-lbs
Work to Maximum Load58inch-lbs/in3
Specific Gravity0.50.54
Weight4538lbs/ft3
Radial Shrinkage3%
Tangential Shrinkage7%
Volumetric Shrinkage11%
ItemGreenDryMetric
Bending Strength594955kg/cm2
Crushing Strength3744kg/cm2
Density641kg/m3
Hardness298kg
Maximum Crushing Strength318474kg/cm2
Shearing Strength81kg/cm2
Static Bending373526kg/cm2
Stiffness1051251000 kg/cm2
Toughness85cm-kg
Work to Maximum Load0.350.56cm-kg/cm3
Specific Gravity0.50.54
Weight721608kg/m3
Radial Shrinkage3%
Tangential Shrinkage7%

References
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

Bodig, J. and B. A. Jayne. 1982. Mechanics of Wood and Wood Composites. Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, New York.

Bois et Forets des Tropiques,1952,Grignon Franc (Ocotea rubra,Bois et Forets des Tropiques,No.22,pp109-112

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.

Brazil -, I.B.D.F.,1980,Woods from Tucurui - characteristics and application,The Ag. Ministry Brazilian Institute for Forest Development

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.

Dickinson, F.E.,1949,Properties and Uses of Tropical Woods 1,Tropical Woods,13(95,pp1-140

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.,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

Forests Products Research Laboratory, U.K.,1956,A Handbook of Hardwoods,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough, Department of,Science and Industrial Research, Building Research Establishment

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 - Determa (Ocotea rubra,British Guiana Forestry Department Leaflet,7,4pp

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.

Howard, A.L.,1948,A Manual of Timbers of the World.,Macmillan & Co. Ltd. London 3rd ed.

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

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

Lamb, A.F.A., Wangaard, F.F.,1950,The Gluing Properties of certain Tropical American Woods,Yale Univ. School of Forestry Technical Report,4

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

Mainieri, C., Pereira, J.A.,1965,Madeiras do Brasil,Anuario Brasileiro de Economia Florestal,17(17,PP135-416

Mainieri, C.,1971,25 Madeiras da Amazonia de Valor Comercial, Caracterizacas macroscopia,,usos comuns e indices qualificativos,Inst. Pesq. Tec. Sao Paulo, Brazil Publ., No.798

Mainieri, C.,1978,Fichas de Caracteristicas das Madeiras Brasileiras,Inst. Pesquisas Technologicas

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

Record, S.J., Hess, R.W.,1942,American Timbers of the Family Lauraceae,Tropical Woods,69,pp7-33

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

Rizzini, C.T.,1978,Arvores e Madeiras Uteis do Brasil: Manual de Dendrologia Brasileira,Editora Edgard Blucher LTDA Brazil

Sallenave, P.,1955,Proprietes Phyiques et Mecaniques des Bois Tropicaux de l'Union Francaise,C.T.F.T

Sallenave, P.,1964,Proprietes Physiques et Mecaniques des Bois Tropicaux (Premier Supplement,C.T.F.T. Publ.,no.23

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

Sao Paulo - Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnologicas,1956,Tabelas de Resultados obtidos para Madeiras Nacionais,Inst. Pesq. Tec. Sao Paulo, Brazil Bol., No.31(2nd Ed.)

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

Teixeira, D. E., M. A. E. Santana and M. Rabelo de Souza. 1988. Amazonian Timbers for the International Market. ITTO Technical Series 1. Brazilian Institute for Forestry Development, Brazil.

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

Tropical Woods,1968,Madeiras Comercias Brasileiras,Inst. Pesq. Tec. Sao Paulo Brazil Publ.,857

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., Muschler, A.F.,1952,Properties and Uses of Tropical Woods 3,Tropical Woods,14(98, pp1-190

Wangaard, F.F.,1951,The Physical Properties of Tropical Woods,F.A.O. For. & For. Prod. Studies Series No.3 Tropical Woods and Ag.,Residues as sources of pulp,pp10-16

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









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