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VIROLA (Virola flexuosa)

Trade Name

Virola

Scientific Name

Virola flexuosa A.C. Sm.

Family

MYRISTICACEAE

Common Names

Moulomba (Guyana); Cumala (Peru); Pintri (Surinam); Cajuea (Trinidad & Tobago); Otivo (Venezuela); Virola (Venezuela); Cuajo (Venezuela); Camaticaro (Venezuela); Nuanamo (Colombia); Sangrino (Venezuela); Cumala Colorada (Peru); Banak; Dalli (Guyana); Tapsava; Virola (Brazil); Ucuhuba (Brazil); Yayamadou (Guyana); Bicuiba Branca (Brazil); Shempo (Ecuador); Sangre; Chaliviande (Ecuador); Cumala Blanca (Peru); Palo De Sangre; Colorado; Ucuuba (Brazil); Sebo (Colombia); Baboen (Surinam); Birma; Virola; Virola Amarilla (Peru); Ocopi`jin (Ecuador); Omando (Ecuador); Unay (Ecuador); Tirasucio (Colombia); Sota negra (Colombia); Sota (Colombia)

Description Of The Tree

Botanical Description

The tree is reported to be middle to big sized, with small buttresses.

Natural Distribution

V. flexuosa is found from Colombia and Ecuador, down to Brazil and Peru. In Colombia it is reported in the Magdalena valley.

Wood Identification

Anatomic Description Of Wood

Wood diffuse porous. Vessels solitary and in short radial multiples. Tangential diameter of vessel lumina 150 to 200 micras (medium). Vessels per mm2 10 to 20 (abundant). Simple perforation plates. Occasionally multiple perforation plates. Vessel-ray pits coars Occasionally axial parenchyma in marginal or in seemingly marginal bands. 4 to 10 rays per mm (medium). Rays commonly 2 seriate. Heterogeneous rays and/or multiseriate heterogeneous rays. Body ray cells procumbent with over 4 rows of upright and/or square marginal cells (Kribs-I). Fibers with simple to minutely bordered pits.

  • Wood Macro Photo Tangential Plane

Availability

Cites Status

Unrestricted

General Wood Description

Odor

It has no distinct odor or taste.

Color

The sapwood is not differentiated, the heartwood is pale brown.

COLOR INDEX (1=Black, 7=Light yellow,white)

4

Grain

The grain is mostly straight

Texture

The wood is typically medium in texture.

Luster

Luster is moderate to high.

Natural Durability

It is easily attacked by fungi or termites. It is reported to be also attacked by Lyctus.

Natural durability index (1= Very high durability, 7=Vey low durability)

5

Resistance To Impregnation

This species is reported to be easy to preserve.

Wood Physical Properties

Basic Density or Specific Gravity (O.D. weight/vol. green) (g/cm³)

0.49

Air-dry Density (Weight and volume at 12%MC) (g/cm³)

0.53

Total shrinkage Tangential (Saturated to 0%MC) (%)

9.8

Total shrinkage Radial (Saturated to 0%MC) (%)

5.4

Drying Defects

Ease of Drying: It is relatively easy to air season. Drying Defects: Slight checking and moderate warping.

Recommended Dry Kiln Schedule

UK-C; US-T3-C2

Dimensional stability ratio (Total Tangential Shrinkage %/Total Radial Shrinkage %)

1.8

Wood Chemical Properties

Wood Mechanical Properties

Bending Strength (MOR),12%MC (kgf/cm²)

581

Stiffness (MOE) 12%MC (kgf/cm²)

105059

Compression parallel to fiber 12%MC (kgf/cm²)

377

Workability

Sawing

Sawmilling of this species is reportedly easy.

Rotary Veneer Cutting

Lamination of this species is possible.

Sliced Veneer

Lamination of this species is possible.

Machining

Machining operations are rather easy.

Planing

Planing of this species is reported to be easy.

Moulding

Molding operations are rather easy.

Boring

Boring operations are rather easy.

Sanding

Wood of this species is easy to sand.

Finishing

It is easy to finish.

Response To Hand Tools

This species is reported to be easy to work with hand tools.

REFERENCED USES

End Uses Summary

HOUSING GENERAL, fittings, PLYWOOD AND VENEER

General Housing
  • 10 - Silica in Timbers
Fittings
  • 19 - Silica in Timbers
Panels, Veneers
  • 25 - Directory of Timber Trade Malaysia

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