Cambara

Trade Name: Cambara

Scientific Name: Erisma uncinatum Warm., E. spec. div.

Common Names in Different Countries:

• United States: Cambara

• Canada: Cambara

• United Kingdom: Cambara

• France: Cambara

• French Guyana: Cambara

• Australia: Cambara

• Japan: カンバラ (Kanbara)

• Taiwan: 坎巴拉 (Kǎnbālā)

• China: 坎巴拉 (Kǎnbālā)

• South Korea: 캄바라 (Kambala)

• Thailand: กัมบารา (Kambāra)

• India: कैम्बरा (Kaimbarā)

• Suriname: Cambara

• Guyana: Cambara

• Brazil: Cambará

• Germany: Cambara

• Italy: Cambara

• Portugal: Cambara

• Peru: Cambara

• Bolivia: Cambara

• Panama: Cambara

Growing Areas:

Cambara is native to the tropical rainforests of South America, particularly found in Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia.

Distribution:

This species is widely distributed across the Amazon Basin and other tropical regions in South America, thriving in moist, lowland forests.

Tree Size:

Cambara trees typically reach heights of 60-100 feet (18-30 meters), with trunk diameters ranging from 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters).

Average Dried Weight:

38 lbs/ft³ (610 kg/m³)

Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC):

• Basic: 0.50

• 12% MC: 0.61

Janka Hardness:

1,070 lbf (4,760 N)

Modulus of Rupture:

12,300 lbf/in² (84.8 MPa)

Elastic Modulus:

1,450,000 lbf/in² (10.00 GPa)

Crushing Strength:

6,410 lbf/in² (44.2 MPa)

Shrinkage:

• Radial: 4.0%

• Tangential: 6.8%

• Volumetric: 10.4%

• T/R Ratio: 1.7

Additional Information

Color/Appearance:

Cambara heartwood ranges from light to medium reddish-brown, with occasional darker streaks. The sapwood is lighter and may not always be clearly demarcated from the heartwood. The color tends to darken with age and exposure to light.

Grain/Texture:

The grain of Cambara is generally straight, but can sometimes be interlocked. It has a medium to coarse texture and a moderate natural luster, which gives it a smooth and polished appearance when finished.

Rot Resistance:

Cambara 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:

Cambara 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 density may result in some difficulty during nailing and screwing.

Odor:

Cambara typically has no distinctive odor when being worked, making it suitable for indoor applications.

Allergies/Toxicity:

Cambara 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:

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

Sustainability:

Cambara 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

• Millwork

• Plywood

• Turned objects

• Boatbuilding (non-structural elements)

• Decorative veneer

Cambara’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.