Timborana

Trade Name: Timborana

Scientific Name: Pseudopiptadenia suaveolens

Common Names in Different Countries:

• United States: Timborana

• Canada: Timborana

• United Kingdom: Timborana

• France: Timborana

• French Guyana: Timborana

• Australia: Timborana

• Japan: ティンボラナ (Tinborana)

• Taiwan: 蒂姆博拉納 (Dìmǔ bó lā nà)

• China: 蒂姆博拉纳 (Dìmǔ bó lā nà)

• South Korea: 팀보라나 (T'imbolana)

• Thailand: ติมโบรานา (Timi borā nā)

• India: टिम्बोराना (Ṭimbōrānā)

• Suriname: Timborana

• Guyana: Timborana

• Brazil: Timborana

• Germany: Timborana

• Italy: Timborana

• Portugal: Timborana

• Peru: Timborana

• Bolivia: Timborana

• Panama: Timborana

Growing Areas:

Timborana is native to the tropical regions 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:

Timborana trees typically reach heights of 80-120 feet (25-36 meters), with trunk diameters ranging from 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters).

Average Dried Weight:

39 lbs/ft³ (625 kg/m³)

Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC):

• Basic: 0.50

• 12% MC: 0.61

Janka Hardness:

1,250 lbf (5,560 N)

Modulus of Rupture:

13,100 lbf/in² (90.3 MPa)

Elastic Modulus:

1,630,000 lbf/in² (11.24 GPa)

Crushing Strength:

6,780 lbf/in² (46.7 MPa)

Shrinkage:

• Radial: 4.2%

• Tangential: 7.6%

• Volumetric: 11.6%

• T/R Ratio: 1.8

Additional Information

Color/Appearance:

Timborana 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 Timborana 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:

Timborana 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:

Timborana 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:

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

Allergies/Toxicity:

Timborana 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:

Timborana 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:

Timborana 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)

Timborana’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.