Common Name(s): Andiroba, Crabwood
Scientific Name: Carapa spp. (Carapa guianensis, etc.)
Distribution: Central and South America
Tree Size: 80-100 ft (25-30 m) tall, 2-3 ft (.6-1.0 m) trunk diameter
Average Dried Weight: 41 lbs/ft3 (660 kg/m3)
Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): .56, .66
Janka Hardness: 1,220 lbf (5,430 N)
Modulus of Rupture: 15,580 lbf/in2 (107.4 MPa)
Elastic Modulus: 1,965,000 lbf/in2 (13.55 GPa)
Crushing Strength: 8,220 lbf/in2 (56.7 MPa)
Shrinkage: Radial: 3.1%, Tangential: 7.6%, Volumetric: 10.4%, T/R Ratio: 2.5
Color/Appearance: Heartwood tends to be a pale reddish brown, darkening with age to a medium to dark brown. Sapwood is a lighter pink or pale brown, not always demarcated from heartwood. Quartersawn surfaces exhibit a ribbon-like appearance similar to Sapele.
Grain/Texture: Andiroba has a uniform, fine to medium texture with a medium natural luster and a straight grain, though the grain is sometimes wavy or interlocked.
Endgrain: Diffuse-porous; medium pores in no specific arrangement; solitary and radial multiples of 2-3; mineral deposits occasionally present.
Rot Resistance: Andiroba is considered moderately durable to very durable regarding decay resistance. Weathering characteristics are similar to Honduran Mahogany.
Odor: No characteristic odor.
Wood Uses
- General Construction
- Joinery Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Floor Decking Terraces
- External Applications
- Ceiling Walls Panels
- Moldings