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.

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