Granadillo

Trade Name: Granadillo

Scientific Name:

Martiodendron parviflorum

Common Names in Different Countries:

• United States: Granadillo

• Canada: Granadillo

• United Kingdom: Granadillo

• France: Granadille

• French Guyana: Granadillo

• Australia: Granadillo

• Japan: グラナディロ (Guranadiro)

• Taiwan: 格蘭那迪洛 (Gé lán nà dí luò)

• China: 格蘭那迪洛 (Gé lán nà dí luò)

• South Korea: 그라나딜로 (Geulanadillo)

• Thailand: กรานาดิโล (Kranadilō)

• India: ग्रनाडिलो (Granāḍilō)

• Suriname: Granadillo

• Guyana: Granadillo

• Brazil: Granadillo

• Germany: Granadillo

• Italy: Granadillo

• Portugal: Granadillo

• Peru: Granadillo

• Bolivia: Granadillo

• Panama: Granadillo

Growing Areas:

Granadillo is native to Central and South America, particularly found in countries like Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, and northern parts of Brazil.

Distribution:

The species is predominantly distributed across tropical regions of Central and South America, thriving in lowland rainforests.

Tree Size:

Granadillo trees typically reach heights of 65-100 feet (20-30 meters), with trunk diameters of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters).

Average Dried Weight:

53 lbs/ft³ (850 kg/m³)

Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC):

• Basic: 0.67

• 12% MC: 0.85

Janka Hardness:

2,070 lbf (9,200 N)

Modulus of Rupture:

19,600 lbf/in² (135.1 MPa)

Elastic Modulus:

2,272,000 lbf/in² (15.67 GPa)

Crushing Strength:

10,380 lbf/in² (71.6 MPa)

Shrinkage:

• Radial: 4.0%

• Tangential: 6.5%

• Volumetric: 10.5%

• T/R Ratio: 1.6

Additional Information

Color/Appearance:

Granadillo heartwood ranges from a deep reddish-brown to a dark purplish hue, often with darker black streaks. The sapwood is pale yellow and distinctly separated from the heartwood. Over time, the wood tends to darken with age, enhancing its rich and luxurious appearance.

Grain/Texture:

The grain of Granadillo is typically straight or slightly interlocked. It has a fine to medium texture with a natural luster. The wood can occasionally exhibit a slight figure, adding to its visual appeal.

Rot Resistance:

Granadillo is known for its exceptional durability and resistance to decay. It is also highly resistant to termite and other insect attacks, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Workability:

Granadillo is relatively easy to work with using both hand and machine tools, despite its density and hardness. It turns, glues, and finishes well, providing a smooth and polished surface. However, it can sometimes pose a challenge due to its high density, which may dull cutting edges more quickly.

Odor:

Granadillo has a mild, pleasant scent when being worked, which is generally not considered offensive.

Allergies/Toxicity:

While severe reactions are uncommon, Granadillo has been reported to cause skin and respiratory irritation in some individuals. As with any wood, proper precautions, such as wearing dust masks and using adequate ventilation, are recommended during processing.

Pricing/Availability:

Granadillo is moderately priced compared to other exotic hardwoods. It is available in both lumber and veneer form, but availability may be limited due to its geographic distribution and the specific regions where it is harvested.

Sustainability:

Granadillo is not listed on the CITES Appendices, and its conservation status is currently not considered threatened. However, as with any tropical hardwood, it is important to ensure that it is sourced from well-managed forests and sustainable practices are followed.

Common Uses:

• Fine furniture

• Musical instruments (particularly guitars and other stringed instruments)

• Cabinetry

• Decorative veneers

• Turned objects and specialty wood items

• Flooring

Granadillo's blend of beauty, durability, and workability makes it a prized choice for various high-end applications, contributing to its reputation as a versatile and valuable hardwood.