Quaruba

Trade Name: Quaruba

Scientific Name: Vochysia lanceolata Stafleu

Common Names in Different Countries:

• United States: Quaruba

• Canada: Quaruba

• United Kingdom: Quaruba

• France: Quaruba

• French Guyana: Quaruba

• Australia: Quaruba

• Japan: クアルバ (Kuaruba)

• Taiwan: 柯阿魯巴 (Kē ā lǔ bā)

• China: 柯阿鲁巴 (Kē ā lǔ bā)

• South Korea: 쿠아루바 (Kuaruba)

• Thailand: คัวรูบา (Khuārūbā)

• India: क्वारुबा (Kvārubā)

• Suriname: Quaruba

• Guyana: Quaruba

• Brazil: Quaruba

• Germany: Quaruba

• Italy: Quaruba

• Portugal: Quaruba

• Peru: Quaruba

• Bolivia: Quaruba

• Panama: Quaruba

Growing Areas:

Quaruba is native to the tropical regions of South America, particularly found in the Amazon Basin, including countries like Brazil, Guyana, and Suriname.

Distribution:

This species is widely distributed across tropical rainforests in South America, especially thriving in lowland regions with high humidity and consistent rainfall.

Tree Size:

Quaruba trees can reach heights of 65-100 feet (20-30 meters), with trunk diameters typically ranging from 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters).

Average Dried Weight:

41 lbs/ft³ (655 kg/m³)

Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC):

• Basic: 0.54

• 12% MC: 0.66

Janka Hardness:

1,160 lbf (5,160 N)

Modulus of Rupture:

14,500 lbf/in² (100.0 MPa)

Elastic Modulus:

1,710,000 lbf/in² (11.79 GPa)

Crushing Strength:

7,440 lbf/in² (51.3 MPa)

Shrinkage:

• Radial: 3.1%

• Tangential: 5.8%

• Volumetric: 8.9%

• T/R Ratio: 1.9

Additional Information

Color/Appearance:

Quaruba heartwood is typically a medium to dark reddish-brown, with the sapwood being lighter and not always clearly demarcated from the heartwood. The wood can darken with age and exposure to light, enhancing its rich, warm tones.

Grain/Texture:

The grain of Quaruba is generally straight to interlocked, with a medium to coarse texture. It has a good natural luster, providing a smooth and attractive finish when properly worked.

Rot Resistance:

Quaruba has moderate to good resistance to decay, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. It also shows resistance to some insects, though it is less durable in ground contact.

Workability:

Quaruba is relatively easy to work with using both hand and machine tools. However, its interlocked grain can sometimes cause tearout during planing. It glues, stains, and finishes well, and responds well to steam bending.

Odor:

Quaruba has a mild, pleasant scent when being worked, which is generally not considered offensive.

Allergies/Toxicity:

Quaruba has not been widely reported to cause significant health issues, but as with any wood, it is recommended to use proper dust collection methods and personal protective equipment to avoid potential respiratory or skin irritation.

Pricing/Availability:

Quaruba is moderately priced and typically available in lumber form. Availability can vary depending on the region and market demand, but it is generally not considered rare.

Sustainability:

Quaruba is not listed on the CITES Appendices, and it is not currently considered threatened. However, sustainable harvesting practices should be ensured to maintain healthy forest ecosystems. Look for certification from organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to verify responsible sourcing.

Common Uses:

• Exterior construction (e.g., decking, siding)

• Interior flooring

• Furniture

• Cabinetry

• Joinery

• Veneer

• Turned objects

• Boatbuilding (non-structural elements)

Quaruba’s combination of attractive appearance, reasonable durability, and workability makes it a versatile and appealing choice for various woodworking projects, both functional and decorative.