Walaba
Eperua spp.
Trade Name: Walaba
Scientific Name: Eperua spp.
Common Names:
United States: Walaba
Canada: Walaba
United Kingdom: Walaba
France: Walaba
French Guyana: Walaba
Australia: Walaba
Japan: Walaba
Taiwan: Walaba
China: Walaba
South Korea: Walaba
Thailand: Walaba
India: Walaba
Suriname: Walaba
Guyana: Walaba
Brazil: Walaba
Germany: Walaba
Italy: Walaba
Portugal: Walaba
Peru: Walaba
Bolivia: Walaba
Panama: Walaba
Growing Areas: Tropical regions, primarily found in South America.
Distribution: Indigenous to the Amazon Rainforest and other parts of South America.
Tree Size: Can grow up to 100-130 feet tall, with trunk diameters ranging from 3-5 feet.
Average Dried Weight: Approximately 56 lbs/ft3 (900 kg/m3).
Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): 0.90
Janka Hardness: 2,850 lbf (12,680 N)
Modulus of Rupture: 22,500 lbf/in2 (155.2 MPa)
Elastic Modulus: 2,070,000 lbf/in2 (14.27 GPa)
Crushing Strength: 10,800 lbf/in2 (74.5 MPa)
Shrinkage:
Radial: 5.3%
Tangential: 9.1%
Volumetric: 14.6%
T/R Ratio: 1.7
Color/Appearance: Heartwood varies from light to dark reddish-brown, often with darker streaks. Sapwood is lighter in color and is not always clearly demarcated from the heartwood.
Grain/Texture: Typically straight-grained with a uniform medium to coarse texture.
Rot Resistance: Moderately durable; susceptible to insect attack and decay if not properly treated.
Workability: Can be difficult to work with due to its density and toughness. Prone to blunting cutting edges. Pre-boring is recommended for nailing and screwing.
Odor: Has a distinct, somewhat unpleasant odor when freshly cut.
Allergies/Toxicity: May cause skin and respiratory irritation. No serious health risks reported.
Pricing/Availability: Moderately priced; availability can vary depending on the region and local regulations on logging.
Sustainability: Concerns over deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest raise questions about the sustainability of harvesting Walaba. Sourcing from certified sustainable forestry operations is recommended.
Common Uses: Walaba wood is a versatile and highly valued material, utilized in a range of applications from construction and marine uses to furniture and artisanal crafts. Its exceptional durability, resistance to decay, and striking appearance make it a sought-after resource in many industries. Sustainable management and harvesting practices are essential to preserve this valuable wood for future generations, ensuring its continued availability and ecological balance.
Heavy construction (bridges, wharves, railway sleepers)
Outdoor furniture
Flooring
Boatbuilding
Turned objects