Macaranduba
Manilkara bidentata.
Trade Name: Macaranduba
Scientific Name: Manilkara bidentata
Common Names:
United States: Macaranduba
Canada: Macaranduba
United Kingdom: Macaranduba
France: Macaranduba
French Guyana: Macaranduba
Australia: Macaranduba
Japan: Macaranduba
Taiwan: Macaranduba
China: Macaranduba
South Korea: Macaranduba
Thailand: Macaranduba
India: Macaranduba
Suriname: Macaranduba
Guyana: Macaranduba
Brazil: Macaranduba
Germany: Macaranduba
Italy: Macaranduba
Portugal: Macaranduba
Peru: Macaranduba
Bolivia: Macaranduba
Panama: Macaranduba
Growing Areas: Native to Central and South America, particularly the Amazon Basin.
Distribution: Primarily found in Brazil, Peru, Guyana, Suriname, and other tropical regions of Central and South America.
Tree Size: Can reach heights of 130-150 feet, with trunk diameters of 3-5 feet.
Average Dried Weight: Approximately 72 lbs/ft3 (1,150 kg/m3).
Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): 0.85, 1.12
Janka Hardness: 3,330 lbf (14,800 N)
Modulus of Rupture: 24,390 lbf/in2 (168.2 MPa)
Elastic Modulus: 3,135,000 lbf/in2 (21.6 GPa)
Crushing Strength: 12,300 lbf/in2 (84.8 MPa)
Shrinkage:
Radial: 4.8%
Tangential: 7.9%
Volumetric: 12.7%
T/R Ratio: 1.65
Color/Appearance: Heartwood is reddish-brown, sometimes with a purple or dark brown hue. The color tends to darken with age. Sapwood is pale and distinct from heartwood.
Grain/Texture: Grain is generally straight to interlocked. Texture is fine and uniform with a high natural luster.
Rot Resistance: Rated as very durable regarding decay resistance and has good resistance to most insect attacks.
Workability: Difficult to work due to its density and hardness. Tends to dull cutting tools quickly. Gluing can be problematic due to its density, but it finishes smoothly with a high natural luster.
Odor: Macaranduba has no distinctive odor.
Allergies/Toxicity: While severe reactions are quite uncommon, Macaranduba has been reported to cause skin and respiratory irritation in some individuals. Standard precautions (dust masks, gloves) are recommended.
Pricing/Availability: Generally moderately priced for an imported tropical hardwood. Availability may be limited due to its density and the difficulty in processing the wood.
Sustainability: Not listed in the CITES Appendices. Responsible sourcing from certified sustainable forestry operations is recommended to ensure environmental protection.
Common Uses:
Heavy construction (beams, posts)
Flooring
Decking
Industrial applications (bearings, bushings)
Marine applications (dock and boat building)
High-end furniture
Turned objects
Tool handles
Macaranduba is a highly durable and dense wood species, well-suited for demanding structural applications as well as high-end decorative uses. Its excellent decay resistance and strength make it a preferred choice for both indoor and outdoor projects.