Bacuri

Trade Name: Bacuri

Scientific Name: Platonia insignis

Common Names in Different Countries:

• United States: Bacuri

• Canada: Bacuri

• United Kingdom: Bacuri

• France: Bacuri

• French Guyana: Bacuri

• Australia: Bacuri

• Japan: バクリ (Bakuri)

• Taiwan: 巴庫里 (Bā kù lǐ)

• China: 巴库里 (Bā kù lǐ)

• South Korea: 바쿠리 (Bakuri)

• Thailand: บาคูริ (Bā khū ri)

• India: बाकुरी (Bākurī)

• Suriname: Bacuri

• Guyana: Bacuri

• Brazil: Bacuri

• Germany: Bacuri

• Italy: Bacuri

• Portugal: Bacuri

• Peru: Bacuri

• Bolivia: Bacuri

• Panama: Bacuri

Growing Areas:

Bacuri is native to the Amazon rainforests of South America, particularly found in countries like Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia.

Distribution:

This species is primarily found in the Amazon Basin and other tropical regions in South America, thriving in moist, lowland forests.

Tree Size:

Bacuri trees typically reach heights of 50-80 feet (15-24 meters), with trunk diameters ranging from 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters).

Average Dried Weight:

40 lbs/ft³ (640 kg/m³)

Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC):

• Basic: 0.64

• 12% MC: 0.78

Janka Hardness:

2,200 lbf (9,790 N)

Modulus of Rupture:

14,300 lbf/in² (98.6 MPa)

Elastic Modulus:

1,700,000 lbf/in² (11.72 GPa)

Crushing Strength:

8,360 lbf/in² (57.6 MPa)

Shrinkage:

• Radial: 2.7%

• Tangential: 4.7%

• Volumetric: 7.5%

• T/R Ratio: 1.7

Additional Information

Color/Appearance:

Bacuri heartwood ranges from a pale yellow to golden brown, sometimes with darker streaks or markings. The sapwood is lighter in color and may not always be clearly demarcated from the heartwood. The color tends to deepen with age and exposure to light.

Grain/Texture:

The grain of Bacuri is generally straight, with a medium to coarse texture. It has a moderate natural luster, giving it a smooth and polished appearance when finished.

Rot Resistance:

Bacuri is rated as moderately durable in terms of decay resistance. It is susceptible to insect attacks and fungal decay if not properly treated or maintained.

Workability:

Bacuri is relatively easy to work with using both hand and machine tools. It cuts cleanly and holds its shape well during machining. It glues, stains, and finishes well, though its high density may result in some difficulty in nailing and screwing.

Odor:

Bacuri wood has a mild, pleasant scent when being worked, which is not typically considered offensive.

Allergies/Toxicity:

Bacuri has not been widely reported to cause significant health issues, though, as with all wood species, it is advisable to use proper dust collection methods and personal protective equipment to avoid potential respiratory or skin irritation.

Pricing/Availability:

Bacuri is moderately priced and generally available in lumber form. Its availability may vary depending on the region and market demand, but it is not considered rare.

Sustainability:

Bacuri is not listed on the CITES Appendices and is not currently considered threatened. However, sustainable harvesting practices should be followed to ensure the long-term health of its natural habitats.

Common Uses:

• Flooring

• Cabinetry

• Furniture

• Turned objects

• Boatbuilding (non-structural elements)

• Decorative veneer

Bacuri’s attractive appearance, moderate durability, and ease of workability make it a versatile choice for a wide range of woodworking projects, both decorative and functional.