Marupa

Trade Name: Marupa

Scientific Name: Simarouba amara Aubl.

Common Names in Different Countries:

• United States: Marupa

• Canada: Marupa

• United Kingdom: Marupa

• France: Marupa

• French Guyana: Marupa

• Australia: Marupa

• Japan: マルパ (Marupa)

• Taiwan: 馬魯帕 (Mǎlǔpà)

• China: 马鲁帕 (Mǎlǔpà)

• South Korea: 마루파 (Marupa)

• Thailand: มารุปา (Mārụ̄̀ pā)

• India: मारूपा (Mārūpā)

• Suriname: Marupa

• Guyana: Marupa

• Brazil: Marupa

• Germany: Marupa

• Italy: Marupa

• Portugal: Marupa

• Peru: Marupa

• Bolivia: Marupa

• Panama: Marupa

Growing Areas:

Marupa is native to the tropical rainforests of South America, particularly found in countries like Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia.

Distribution:

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

Tree Size:

Marupa trees typically reach heights of 65-100 feet (20-30 meters), with trunk diameters ranging from 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters).

Average Dried Weight:

28 lbs/ft³ (450 kg/m³)

Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC):

• Basic: 0.45

• 12% MC: 0.55

Janka Hardness:

650 lbf (2,890 N)

Modulus of Rupture:

7,000 lbf/in² (48.3 MPa)

Elastic Modulus:

1,300,000 lbf/in² (8.96 GPa)

Crushing Strength:

3,540 lbf/in² (24.4 MPa)

Shrinkage:

• Radial: 2.5%

• Tangential: 4.5%

• Volumetric: 7.0%

• T/R Ratio: 1.8

Additional Information

Color/Appearance:

Marupa heartwood ranges from a light to medium brown, sometimes with reddish or yellowish hues. The sapwood is typically lighter in color and not always clearly demarcated from the heartwood. The color tends to darken slightly with age and exposure to light.

Grain/Texture:

The grain of Marupa is generally straight, with a fine to medium texture. It has a moderate natural luster, giving it a smooth and polished appearance when finished.

Rot Resistance:

Marupa is rated as moderately durable in terms of decay resistance. It is susceptible to insect attacks and fungal decay if not properly treated or maintained.

Workability:

Marupa is relatively easy to work with using both hand and machine tools. It cuts cleanly and holds its shape well during machining. It glues, stains, and finishes well, though its low density may result in some tearout during planing.

Odor:

Marupa typically has no distinctive odor when being worked, making it suitable for indoor applications.

Allergies/Toxicity:

Marupa 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:

Marupa is generally less expensive than many other tropical hardwoods due to its lower density and availability. It is commonly available in lumber form, though it may not be as widely stocked as more popular species.

Sustainability:

Marupa is not listed on the CITES Appendices and is not currently considered threatened. However, sustainable harvesting practices should be followed to ensure the long-term health of its natural habitats.

Common Uses:

• Plywood

• Particleboard

• Millwork

• Boxes and crates

• Pallets

• Interior construction (e.g., framing, paneling)

Marupa’s combination of affordability, ease of workability, and moderate durability makes it a practical choice for a variety of woodworking and construction projects, particularly those requiring lightweight materials.