Lumber
Andiroba or Carapa (Carapa Spp.)
General Information
Carapa is also commonly known in Guyana as crab wood. It is from the Meliaceae
family. It is found in tropical South and Central America. In Guyana the
tree grows in moist areas, abundantly in mora forest and also common in
marsh and riverine forests. Mature trees grow to a height of approximately
25-35 metres, though some reach as high as 55 metres. The trunk is typically
0.45-0.95 metres in diameter and can reach 1.8 metres. The base of the
tree is swollen or buttressed (approximately 0.5-1.2 meters in diameter).
The bark is smooth grey brown to light grey, sometimes reddish. It is
lenticellate, fissured or cracked.
The Carapa tree is not only the source of beautiful timber but also the source of andiroba oil, which is extracted from the seeds of the tree using an ancient method developed by indigenous peoples. This oil is widely used in the cosmetics industry and is a key ingredient in anti-cellulite treatments. The oil also has medicinal properties and is important in child care. Its manufacture and sale is an important part of the local livelihoods of indigenous women in Guyana. The seed from which the oil is extracted is also a main food source for wild pigs, which in turn are a main source of protein for forest dwelling peoples. Given the multiple values of this tree, Finewoods encourages high value, low volume uses.
Other trade names
Carapa, Andirobeira, A. Branca (Brazil), Masabalo/Mazabalo (Colombia),
Cedro Bateo/Cedro Macho (Costa Rica and Panama), Tangare/Figuueroa (Ecuador),
Carapa (French Guiana), Bastard Mohagany/ Cedro Macho (Honduras), Krappa
(Suriname), Crappo (Trinidad and Tobago) and Carapa/Masabalo (Venezuela)
Wood Description and Technological Characteristics
The heartwood of Carapa is of a golden red brown colour. The sapwood is
more or less distinct. Carapa is a fairly fine textured wood with a straight
grain (though sometimes slightly interlocked).
Greenweight (kg/m3) – 950
Specific Gravity at 12% (kg/m3) (light to medium) – 670
Total Tangential Shrinkage (T%) – 7.7
Total Radial Shrinkage (R%) – 4.8
Crushing Strength at 12 % (N/mm2) – 59
Static Bending Strength at 12% (n/mm2) – 111
Modulus of elasticity at 12% (N/mm2) – 11,700
Uses
Carapa is used for interior and exterior joinery. It is an exquisite furniture
wood. It is also used for cabinet work and flooring and general construction.
It is also used as vaneer. Carapa has been used for plywood. However,
given the socio-ecological value of this wood Finewoods would not market
it for this purpose.
Natural Durability and Amenability to Preservative Treatment
Decay – poor to moderate (a factor of exposure to elements)
Termites- poor to moderate (treatment recommended)
Insects of Dry woods - good
Amenability to Preservative Treatment
Poor – this wood is not usually treated in this way.
Processing
Sawing is very easy. The blunting effect is very slight to slight. Drying
requires care. The risk of distortion is slight but risk of checking is
high and there is an occasional risk of collapse. Gluing and finishing
are good. Nailing is also good. However there is a slight tendency to
split on end grain. Machining presents some minor difficulties due to
grain being occasionally interlocked. Carapa is very amenable to slicing
and peeling (veneers).
