Araracanga
Aspidosperma desmanthum Mull.
Trade Name: Araracanga
Scientific Name: Aspidosperma desmanthum Mull.
Common Name(s):
United States: Araracanga
Canada: Araracanga
United Kingdom: Araracanga
France: Araracanga
French Guyana: Araracanga
Australia: Araracanga
Japan: アララカンガ (Araracanga)
Taiwan: 阿拉拉康加 (Ālālākāngjiā)
China: 阿拉拉康加 (Ālālākāngjiā)
South Korea: 아라라캉가 (Alalakang-ga)
Thailand: อาราราคังกา (ʹĀrārākhangkā)
India: अराराकांगा (Arārākāṅgā)
Suriname: Araracanga
Guyana: Araracanga
Brasil: Araracanga
Germany: Araracanga
Italy: Araracanga
Portugal: Araracanga
Peru: Araracanga
Bolivia: Araracanga
Panama: Araracanga
Growing Areas:
Primarily found in tropical regions, Araracanga grows predominantly in the Amazon Rainforest, covering parts of Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guyana.
Distribution:
Native to Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guyana, Araracanga has also been introduced to other tropical areas worldwide.
Tree Size:
Araracanga trees typically reach heights of 20-30 meters (65-100 feet) with a trunk diameter ranging from 0.6-1.2 meters (2-4 feet).
Average Dried Weight:
820 kg/m³ (51 lbs/ft³).
Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC):
Basic: 0.65
12% Moisture Content: 0.82
Janka Hardness:
2,690 lbf (11,970 N)
Modulus of Rupture:
114.3 MPa (16,570 psi)
Elastic Modulus:
13.35 GPa (1,935,000 psi)
Crushing Strength:
62.7 MPa (9,090 psi)
Shrinkage:
Radial: 4.3%
Tangential: 7.6%
Volumetric: 12.0%
T/R Ratio: 1.8
Characteristics and Properties
Color/Appearance:
Araracanga wood features a deep, dark reddish-brown heartwood with darker streaks, providing a visually striking appearance. The sapwood is a contrasting pale yellow or white.
Grain/Texture:
The grain is generally straight to interlocked, with a medium to fine texture. It has a smooth, uniform surface that polishes well.
Rot Resistance:
Highly resistant to decay, Araracanga is known for its durability, making it an excellent choice for outdoor and marine applications.
Workability:
While its density and hardness can make Araracanga challenging to work with, it responds well to sharp tools. It tends to dull cutting edges quickly, so pre-drilling is recommended for nailing and screwing.
Odor:
Freshly cut Araracanga emits a faint, pleasant scent, which dissipates over time.
Allergies/Toxicity:
No significant health risks are associated with Araracanga, though some individuals may experience mild respiratory or skin irritation from wood dust.
Pricing/Availability:
Araracanga is relatively scarce and can be expensive. Availability may be limited, especially outside its native regions.
Sustainability:
Araracanga is not listed on the CITES Appendices, but sustainable harvesting practices are crucial to ensure its continued availability due to its limited distribution and potential overexploitation.
Common Uses:
High-end furniture
Cabinetry
Flooring
Turned objects
Veneer
Specialty wood items such as musical instruments and tool handles
Araracanga (Aspidosperma desmanthum Mull.) is a highly valued tropical hardwood known for its striking appearance, durability, and resistance to decay. Despite its workability challenges, it is prized for various applications from furniture to flooring. Sustainability is essential in ensuring the continued availability of this beautiful species.