Species in the genus Caryocar are reported to be widespread throughout most of the Amazonia. Those of commercial importance are reported to be distributed in Costa Rica and southward into northern Colombia. They are also found in the upland forests of the Amazon valley, as well as eastern Brazil and the Guianas. Also widely distributed in northeastern Peru, attaining its best development in forests free from seasonal floodings.
Numerical Values for: Caryocar glabrum
Category
Green
Dry
Unit
Bending Strength
12450
17060
psi
Max. Crushing Strength
6290
8410
psi
Stiffness
1820
2160
1000 psi
Hardness
1720
lbs
Specific Gravity
0.72
Weight
55
lbs/cu.ft.
Density (Air-dry)
54
lbs/cu.ft.
Radial Shrinkage (G->OD)
5
%
Tangential Shrink. (G->OD
8
%
Volumetric Shrink. (G->OD
13
%
Tree & Wood Descriptions for: Caryocar glabrum
Product Sources
Some material from this species is reported to be available from environmentally responsible sources.The International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) reports that timber from the species is produced frequently but export is rather low.
Tree Data
The trees are reported to reach heights of 120 to 150 feet (37 to 45 m), with trunk diameters ranging from 36 to 48 inches (90 to 120 cm) in Colombia, to 5 to 7 feet (1.5 to 2.1 m) in the Amazon valley. They develop well-formed and cylindrical boles that are up to 70 feet (21 m) long.
Sapwood Color
Sapwood is described as white or pale yellow, occasionally with dark or almost black streaks, and is not always distinct from the heartwood.
Heartwood Color
The heartwood is yellowish to light grayish brown in color.
Grain
The grain is frequently interlocked. Very fine and faintly distinct silver figure is reported to be occasionally present.
Texture
The texture varies from medium to coarse.
Odor
Green material may have a faint odor of vinegar, but seasoned wood has no characteristic odor or taste.
Natural Durability
The heartwood is reported to be very resistant to attack by both white- and brown-rot fungi. It is resistant to dry-wood termites and moderately resistant to marine borers.Resistance to ImpregnationThe timber is reported to be generally difficult to treat with preservatives.
Strength Properties
The bending strength qualities of this species in the air-dry condition is very high, far superior to those of Mahogany. Compression strength parallel to grain in the air-dry condition is high. Teak, White oak, and Hard maple have high crushing strength. It is hard – harder than Teak, and does not marr or dent easily. The weight is very high. The wood is very dense.
Working Properties for: Caryocar glabrum
Cutting Resistance
The wood is reported to be moderately difficult to saw. Internal stresses may be present in logs.
Blunting Effect
Cutting edges are reported to be dulled quickly because of interlocked grain.
Planing
Caryocar timbers are reported to work with moderate difficulty in most machining operations, including planing. Smooth surfaces are reported to be rather difficult to achieve on radial surfaces, and material containing interlocked material tends to dull cutters rapidly.
Gluing
The material is reported to require care in gluing.
Nailing
Nail-holding characteristics are reported to be good.
Staining
The material is reported to require care in most finishing operations.