Trebol

Amburana cearensis

Trade Name: Trebol

Scientific Name: Amburana cearensis

Common Name(s):

  • United States: Trebol

  • Canada: Trebol

  • United Kingdom: Trebol

  • France: Trebol

  • French Guyana: Trebol

  • Australia: Trebol

  • Japan: トレボル (Toreboru)

  • Taiwan: 三葉草木 (Sānyècǎo mù)

  • China: 三叶草木 (Sānyècǎo mù)

  • South Korea: 트레볼 (Teurebol)

  • Thailand: ต้นโคลเวอร์ (Tôn khlowēxr̒)

  • India: तिपतिया घास (Tipatiyā ghās)

  • Suriname: Trebol

  • Guyana: Trebol

  • Brasil: Trebol, Imburana de Cheiro

  • Germany: Trebol

  • Italy: Trebol

  • Portugal: Trebol

  • Peru: Trebol

  • Bolivia: Trebol

  • Panama: Trebol

Growing Areas:

Trebol grows in the tropical regions of South America, particularly in Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and northern Argentina.

Distribution:

Native to Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina, Trebol is primarily found in these regions and is less commonly available outside South America.

Tree Size:

Trebol trees typically reach heights of 15-25 meters (50-80 feet) with trunk diameters of 0.6-1.0 meters (2-3 feet).

Average Dried Weight:

670 kg/m³ (42 lbs/ft³).

Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC):

  • Basic: 0.53

  • 12% Moisture Content: 0.67

Janka Hardness:

1,040 lbf (4,620 N)

Modulus of Rupture:

91.4 MPa (13,260 psi)

Elastic Modulus:

11.86 GPa (1,720,000 psi)

Crushing Strength:

44.5 MPa (6,460 psi)

Shrinkage:

  • Radial: 3.5%

  • Tangential: 6.6%

  • Volumetric: 10.1%

  • T/R Ratio: 1.9

Characteristics and Properties

Color/Appearance:

Trebol wood has a light to medium reddish-brown color, sometimes with darker streaks. The heartwood is distinctly darker than the pale yellow sapwood. Over time, the wood tends to darken with exposure to light.

Grain/Texture:

The grain of Trebol is typically straight to slightly interlocked, with a fine to medium texture. It has a high natural luster, contributing to its attractive finish.

Rot Resistance:

Trebol is considered moderately durable regarding decay resistance. It performs well in indoor applications but is not recommended for continuous outdoor exposure.

Workability:

Trebol is relatively easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It glues and finishes well, and its interlocked grain can be planed with minimal difficulty. However, the wood has a tendency to split when nailed, so pre-drilling is recommended.

Odor:

Trebol emits a pleasant, sweet fragrance when freshly cut, which can linger for some time.

Allergies/Toxicity:

Trebol has not been widely reported as causing significant health issues, though wood dust can cause respiratory or skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Pricing/Availability:

Trebol is moderately priced and is available in its native regions. It may be harder to find and more expensive outside of South America.

Sustainability:

Trebol is not listed on the CITES Appendices, but sustainable harvesting practices are important to ensure the long-term availability of this species. Efforts should be made to source it responsibly to avoid overexploitation.

Common Uses:

  • Furniture

  • Cabinetry

  • Flooring

  • Turned objects

  • Veneer

  • Musical instruments

  • Perfume and incense (due to its aromatic properties)

Trebol (Amburana cearensis) is a versatile and attractive tropical hardwood known for its pleasant aroma, ease of workability, and moderate durability. It is widely used for furniture, cabinetry, and specialty items like musical instruments and incense. Sustainable practices are essential to ensure the availability of this valuable species for future generations.

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