Ipe, Lapacho
Handroanthus spp, Tabebuia spp.
Trade Name: Ipe, Lapacho
Scientific Name: Handroanthus spp. (formerly known as Tabebuia spp.)
Common Name(s) in Different Countries:
United States: Ipe, Brazilian Walnut
Canada: Ipe, Lapacho
United Kingdom: Ipe, Brazilian Walnut
France: Ipe, Lapacho
French Guyana: Bois d'ipé
Australia: Ipe, Brazilian Walnut
Japan: イペ (Ipe)
Taiwan: 伊比欄 (Yī bǐ lán)
China: 伊佩 (Yī pèi)
South Korea: 이페 (Ipe)
Thailand: ไอเป (Ipe)
India: आइपे (Āipē)
Suriname: Ipe, Lapacho
Guyana: Ipe, Lapacho
Brasil: Ipe, Lapacho
Germany: Ipe, Brasilianisches Walnussholz
Italy: Ipe, Noce Brasiliano
Portugal: Ipê, Pau d'Arco
Peru: Ipe, Lapacho
Bolivia: Ipe, Lapacho
Panama: Ipe, Lapacho
Growing Areas: Ipe/Lapacho trees are native to the rainforests of South America, primarily found in countries such as Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru.
Distribution: This species is distributed throughout the Amazon Basin and adjacent regions, where it grows in dense rainforests and tropical savannas.
Tree Size: Ipe/Lapacho trees can reach heights of 100-130 feet (30-40 meters) with trunk diameters ranging from 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters).
Average Dried Weight: 60-75 lbs/ft³ (960-1,200 kg/m³)
Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): 0.85-1.10
Janka Hardness: 3,680 lbf (16,380 N)
Modulus of Rupture: 25,660 lbf/in² (177.0 MPa)
Elastic Modulus: 3,160,000 lbf/in² (21.8 GPa)
Crushing Strength: 13,600 lbf/in² (93.8 MPa)
Shrinkage:
Radial: 6.1%
Tangential: 8.4%
Volumetric: 14.6%
T/R Ratio: 1.4
Color/Appearance: Ipe/Lapacho heartwood ranges from olive brown to dark brown with subtle yellow and olive undertones. The sapwood is yellowish-white and clearly demarcated from the heartwood.
Grain/Texture: Ipe/Lapacho typically has a straight to irregular grain with a fine to medium texture. It has a natural luster that enhances its visual appeal.
Rot Resistance: Ipe/Lapacho is highly resistant to decay, termites, and fungal attacks, making it suitable for outdoor applications such as decking, siding, and outdoor furniture.
Workability: Ipe/Lapacho is extremely dense and challenging to work with, particularly with hand tools. It has a blunting effect on cutting edges, and pre-drilling is recommended for fasteners. Despite its hardness, it finishes well to a smooth surface.
Odor: Ipe/Lapacho may have a mild, cedar-like scent when freshly cut.
Allergies/Toxicity: Ipe/Lapacho may cause skin and respiratory irritation in some individuals. Proper dust collection and protective equipment should be used to minimize exposure.
Pricing/Availability: Ipe/Lapacho is considered a premium hardwood and is typically available at a moderate to high price point. Its availability may vary depending on the region and demand.
Sustainability: While Ipe/Lapacho is not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, sustainable harvesting practices should be followed to ensure the long-term health of forest ecosystems.
Common Uses: Ipe/Lapacho is commonly used for decking, flooring, outdoor furniture, heavy construction, and boatbuilding. Its durability and natural resistance to decay make it a popular choice for outdoor applications in harsh environments.