Product Description

Distribution: M. excelsa: Widely distributed in the Guianas and less so in the Orinoco Delta ofVenezuela; The Tree: Usually 100 to 120 ft high and 2 to 3 ft in diameter with clear boles 60 ft and more abovevery large buttresses that may extend 15 ft up the trunk. Trees of M. excelsa 160 to 200 ft high and 4ft in diameter are reported.

The Wood:General characteristics: Heartwood yellowish red brown, reddish brown or dark red with palerstreaks; sapwood 2 to 6 in. wide, distinct, yellowish to pale brown. Texture moderately fine to rathercoarse, rather harsh to the feel; luster medium to high; grain is straight to commonly interlocked, veryvariable; astringent taste and a slightly sour odor.Weight: Basic specific gravity (ovendry weight/green volume) 0.76 to 0.84; air- dry density 59 to 65pcf.Mechanical

Properties: Moisture content Bending strength Modulus of elasticity Maximum crushing strength

Working Properties: The wood is moderately difficult to work but yields smooth surfaces in sawing,planing, turning, or boring unless interlocked grain is present then there may be considerable "pickup" and chipped grain.

Durability: Results are variable; material from Surinam and Guyana is rated durable to very durablein resistance to brown-rot and white-rot fungi.M. gonggrijpii is rated very resistant to dry-wood termites; M. excelsa considerably less so,not resistant to marine borers.Preservation: Sapwood responds readily to preservative treatments; heartwood resist toimpregnation, penetration is very shallow, and absorptions are low

Mora

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