Greenheart

Common Name(s): Greenheart

Scientific Name: Chlorocardium rodiei (syn. Ocotea rodiei)

Distribution: Northeastern South America

Tree Size: 75-100 ft (23-30 m) tall, 1.5-2 ft (.5-.6 m) trunk diameter

Average Dried Weight: 63 lbs/ft3 (1,010 kg/m3)

Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): .81, 1.01

Janka Hardness: 2,530 lbf (11,260 N)

Modulus of Rupture: 26,900 lbf/in2 (185.5 MPa)

Elastic Modulus: 3,573,000 lbf/in2 (24.64 GPa)

Crushing Strength: 13,290 lbf/in2 (91.7 MPa)

Shrinkage: Radial: 8.2%, Tangential: 8.9%, Volumetric: 16.5%, T/R Ratio: 1.1

Color/Appearance: Heartwood tends to be a pale olive green color with darker streaks. Yellowish green sapwood is poorly distinguishable from heartwood.

Grain/Texture: Grain tends to be straight to interlocked, with a fine to medium grain, and good natural luster.

Endgrain: Diffuse-porous; large pores in no specific arrangement, few; solitary and radial multiples of 2-3; tyloses and other gum deposits occasionally present; growth rings indistinct; rays narrow, normal spacing.

Rot Resistance: Greenheart is rated as very durable, and is also resistant to most insect attacks. It’s also considered to be one of the best-suited woods for use in marine environments, and has good weathering characteristics.

Wood Uses

  • General Construction
  • Joinery Furniture
  • Cabinetry
  • Floor Decking Terraces
  • External Applications
  • Ceiling Walls Panels
  • Moldings