Louro Vermelho

Trade Name: Louro Vermelho

Scientific Name: Ocotea rubra Mez

Common Names in Different Countries:

• United States: Louro Vermelho

• Canada: Louro Vermelho

• United Kingdom: Louro Vermelho

• France: Louro Vermelho

• French Guyana: Louro Vermelho

• Australia: Louro Vermelho

• Japan: ロウロヴェルメーリョ (Rouroverumēryo)

• Taiwan: 魯洛維梅里奧 (Lǔluòwéiméi lǐào)

• China: 鲁洛维梅里奥 (Lǔluòwéiméi lìào)

• South Korea: 로우로 베르멜료 (Roulo Berumellyo)

• Thailand: ลูโร เวอร์เมลโญ (Lūro Wer̒mel ny)

• India: लूरो वर्मेल्यो (Lūro varmelyo)

• Suriname: Louro Vermelho

• Guyana: Louro Vermelho

• Brazil: Louro Vermelho

• Germany: Louro Vermelho

• Italy: Louro Vermelho

• Portugal: Louro Vermelho

• Peru: Louro Vermelho

• Bolivia: Louro Vermelho

• Panama: Louro Vermelho

Growing Areas:

Louro Vermelho is primarily found in the tropical rainforests of South America, with a notable presence in Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guyana.

Distribution:

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

Tree Size:

Louro Vermelho trees typically reach heights of 80-120 feet (25-36 meters), with trunk diameters ranging from 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters).

Average Dried Weight:

46 lbs/ft³ (735 kg/m³)

Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC):

• Basic: 0.61

• 12% MC: 0.74

Janka Hardness:

1,610 lbf (7,160 N)

Modulus of Rupture:

15,300 lbf/in² (105.5 MPa)

Elastic Modulus:

2,010,000 lbf/in² (13.86 GPa)

Crushing Strength:

7,830 lbf/in² (54.0 MPa)

Shrinkage:

• Radial: 4.3%

• Tangential: 7.3%

• Volumetric: 11.6%

• T/R Ratio: 1.7

Additional Information

Color/Appearance:

Louro Vermelho heartwood ranges from a light to medium reddish-brown, often with darker streaks. The sapwood is lighter in color, typically a pale yellow or off-white, and is distinctly separated from the heartwood. The color tends to darken with age and exposure to light.

Grain/Texture:

The grain of Louro Vermelho is generally straight to interlocked, with a fine to medium texture. It has a moderate natural luster, which enhances its visual appeal when finished.

Rot Resistance:

Louro Vermelho is rated as moderately durable in terms of decay resistance. It has some resistance to insect attacks but is not considered highly durable for ground contact applications.

Workability:

Louro Vermelho is generally easy to work with using both hand and machine tools. It responds well to gluing, staining, and finishing, though its interlocked grain can pose challenges such as tearout during planing. Pre-drilling is recommended for nails and screws to prevent splitting.

Odor:

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

Allergies/Toxicity:

Louro Vermelho 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:

Louro Vermelho 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:

Louro Vermelho is not listed on the CITES Appendices and is not currently considered threatened. Sustainable harvesting practices should be followed to ensure the long-term health of its natural habitats. Certification from organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) can help verify responsible sourcing.

Common Uses:

• Furniture

• Cabinetry

• Flooring

• Interior trim

• Veneer

• Turned objects

• Boatbuilding (non-structural elements)

Louro Vermelho’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.