Timber Species
Locust

Scientific Name:
Hymenaea courbaril

Family: Caesalpiniaoeae

ATIBT Standard Name: Courbaril

Other Name: Copalier, Algarrob, Gaupinal, Jatoba

Wood Appearance: Heartwood light brown to brown often with dark streaks and with a subdued golden glow.

• Sapwood - whitish grey colour is sharply defined
• Texture - medium coarse
• Grain - straight, lustre medium, uniform vessel lines distinct
• Bole - 60-80 feet long, cylinderical; diameter 24-36 inches

Physical and Mechanical Properties: Very hard and strong. Moderate shrinkage, relatively stable once dry. Good mechanical properties, especially elasticity.

• Weight - 910 - 1000 kg/m3 (57 - 62 lb/ft3 ) seasoned.
• Bending Strength -
• Modulus of elasticity -
• Compression parallel to grain -
• Shock resistance -

Natural Durability: Very resistant to decay.

Timber Processing

• Drying - Dries readily without distortion of splitting.
• Working - Moderately difficult to work but finishes smoothly. Planes and turns without difficulty. Good bending to steaming process.
• Assembly - Glues well, but difficult to nail. Fastenings are held well.
• Finishing - Finishes smoothly. Polishes and varnishes without difficulty.

Uses: A wood of decorative appearance suitable for use in the manufacture of high grade furniture, cabinet work, decorative joinery and veneer. Also used for ship-building, general construction, and the making of tool handles and croquet mallets.

Supplies: Occurs widely but not abundantly in the Guyana forests. Regular supplies in modest quantities are available.