Pau Rosa
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Common Name(s): Pau Rosa Scientific Name: Bobgunnia fistuloides, B. madagascariensis Distribution: Small clusters within African rainforests Tree Size: 70-90 ft (21-27 m) tall, 2-3 ft (.6-1 m) trunk diameter Average Dried Weight: 64 lbs/ft3 (1,030 kg/m3) Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): .82, 1.03 Janka Hardness: 2,940 lbf (13,080 N) Modulus of Rupture: 24,100 lbf/in2 (166.2 MPa) Elastic Modulus: 2,480,000 lbf/in2 (17.10 GPa) Crushing Strength: 13,450 lbf/in2 (92.8 MPa) Shrinkage: Radial: 4.2%, Tangential: 6.0%, Volumetric: 10.7%, T/R Ratio: 1.4 |
Color/Appearance: Heartwood tends to vary in color from a pink or yellow to a darker reddish brown, with darker brown streaks common. White to pale yellow sapwood clearly demarcated from heartwood. Color tends to darken with age. Bobgunnia madagascariensis tends to be more on the reddish or orangish side, while B. fistuloides tends to be a more subdued brown.
Grain/Texture: Grain tends to be wavy or interlocked. Uniform medium to coarse texture, with a high natural luster.
Endgrain: Diffuse-porous; large pores in no specific arrangement, few; solitary and radial multiples of 2-3; heartwood deposits common; narrow rays not visible without lens, spacing fairly close; parenchyma unilateral, lozenge, winged, confluent, and banded.
Rot Resistance: Rated as very durable regarding decay resistance, and is also resistant to insect attack. Pau Rosa has good weathering characteristics in outdoor applications.
Workability: Generally easy to work despite its density, though cutting resistance can be high, and the wood has a tendency to burn while being drilled. Planes fairly well despite having interlocked grain (typically only slightly interlocked). Turns, glues, and finishes well.
Odor: No characteristic odor.
Allergies/Toxicity: Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Pau Rosa has been reported to cause skin irritation. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.
