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.

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