Cupiuba
Goupia glabra
Trade Name: Cupiuba
Scientific Name: Goupia glabra
Common Name(s):
United States: Cupiuba
Canada: Cupiuba
United Kingdom: Cupiuba
France: Cupiuba
French Guyana: Cupiuba
Australia: Cupiuba
Japan: クピウバ (Kupiuba)
Taiwan: 庫皮烏巴 (Kùpíwūbā)
China: 库皮乌巴 (Kùpíwūbā)
South Korea: 쿠피우바 (Kupiu-ba)
Thailand: คูปีบา (Khūpībā)
India: कपियुबा (Kapiyubā)
Suriname: Cupiuba
Guyana: Cupiuba
Brasil: Cupiúba
Germany: Cupiuba
Italy: Cupiuba
Portugal: Cupiúba
Peru: Cupiuba
Bolivia: Cupiuba
Panama: Cupiuba
Growing Areas:
Cupiuba is found in tropical regions, predominantly in the Amazon Rainforest, including parts of Brazil, Guyana, French Guyana, and Suriname.
Distribution:
Native to Brazil, Guyana, French Guyana, and Suriname, Cupiuba has also been introduced to other tropical areas worldwide.
Tree Size:
Cupiuba trees typically reach heights of 30-40 meters (100-130 feet) with trunk diameters ranging from 0.9-1.5 meters (3-5 feet).
Average Dried Weight:
800 kg/m³ (50 lbs/ft³).
Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC):
Basic: 0.60
12% Moisture Content: 0.80
Janka Hardness:
1,720 lbf (7,650 N)
Modulus of Rupture:
123.2 MPa (17,870 psi)
Elastic Modulus:
14.97 GPa (2,170,000 psi)
Crushing Strength:
65.5 MPa (9,500 psi)
Shrinkage:
Radial: 3.2%
Tangential: 6.1%
Volumetric: 9.3%
T/R Ratio: 1.9
Characteristics and Properties
Color/Appearance:
Cupiuba wood exhibits a golden to reddish-brown color with darker streaks, offering a warm and rich appearance. The heartwood is distinct from the yellowish sapwood.
Grain/Texture:
The grain is typically straight to interlocked, with a medium to coarse texture. It has a moderate natural luster.
Rot Resistance:
Cupiuba is moderately durable to very durable regarding decay resistance. However, it is susceptible to insect attack, particularly by termites.
Workability:
Cupiuba is relatively easy to work with both hand and machine tools, although its density can pose some challenges. It can cause moderate blunting effects on cutters. Pre-drilling is recommended for nailing and screwing.
Odor:
Cupiuba has no characteristic odor.
Allergies/Toxicity:
Cupiuba is generally considered non-toxic and does not cause significant health reactions, though wood dust may cause slight irritation to sensitive individuals.
Pricing/Availability:
Cupiuba is moderately priced and generally available in its native regions. However, it may be harder to find outside of South America.
Sustainability:
Cupiuba is not listed on the CITES Appendices. However, as with all tropical woods, sustainable harvesting practices are essential to avoid overexploitation and ensure long-term availability.
Common Uses:
Flooring
Furniture
Heavy construction
Exterior joinery
Veneer
Boatbuilding
Turned objects
Cupiuba (Goupia glabra) is a versatile tropical hardwood known for its durability, rich color, and moderate workability. It is widely used in construction, furniture making, and flooring. Sustainable practices are crucial for maintaining the availability of this valuable species for future generations.