Tatajuba
Bagassa guianensis Aubl.
Trade Name: Tatajuba
Scientific Name: Bagassa guianensis Aubl.
Common Names:
United States: Tatajuba
Canada: Tatajuba
United Kingdom: Tatajuba
France: Tatajuba
French Guyana: Tatajuba
Australia: Tatajuba
Japan: Tatajuba
Taiwan: Tatajuba
China: Tatajuba
South Korea: Tatajuba
Thailand: Tatajuba
India: Tatajuba
Suriname: Tatajuba
Guyana: Tatajuba
Brazil: Tatajuba
Germany: Tatajuba
Italy: Tatajuba
Portugal: Tatajuba
Peru: Tatajuba
Bolivia: Tatajuba
Panama: Tatajuba
Growing Areas: Native to tropical regions of South America, specifically the Amazon Basin.
Distribution: Primarily found in Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname.
Tree Size: Reaches heights of 100-130 feet, with trunk diameters of 2-4 feet.
Average Dried Weight: Approximately 53 lbs/ft3 (850 kg/m3).
Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): 0.72, 0.85
Janka Hardness: 2,150 lbf (9,570 N)
Modulus of Rupture: 22,100 lbf/in2 (152.4 MPa)
Elastic Modulus: 2,400,000 lbf/in2 (16.55 GPa)
Crushing Strength: 11,100 lbf/in2 (76.5 MPa)
Shrinkage:
Radial: 4.1%
Tangential: 7.3%
Volumetric: 11.4%
T/R Ratio: 1.8
Color/Appearance: Heartwood ranges from yellow to golden brown, darkening to a reddish brown with age. The sapwood is yellowish-white and distinct from the heartwood.
Grain/Texture: The grain is usually straight, sometimes interlocked, with a coarse, uniform texture.
Rot Resistance: Rated as very durable in terms of decay resistance, with good resistance to insect attacks.
Workability: Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. However, the wood’s density can make it somewhat challenging. It glues and finishes well but has a tendency to blunt cutting edges.
Odor: Tatajuba has no distinctive odor.
Allergies/Toxicity: Tatajuba has been reported to cause skin and respiratory irritation in some individuals. It is advisable to use protective gear when working with this wood.
Pricing/Availability: Moderately priced and relatively available, though prices can vary depending on the region and quality of the wood.
Sustainability: Not listed in the CITES Appendices, but responsible sourcing from certified sustainable forestry operations is recommended to ensure environmental protection.
Common Uses:
Heavy construction (bridges, docks, railway sleepers)
Flooring
Decking
Furniture
Veneer
Turned objects
Exterior joinery and structures
Tatajuba is a versatile and durable wood species, well-suited for a wide range of applications, especially where strength and resistance to decay are important. Its attractive appearance and good workability make it a popular choice for both structural and decorative uses.