Brownheart

Common Name(s): Brownheart, Wacapou

Scientific Name: Vouacapoua americana

Distribution: Northeastern South America

Tree Size: 65-100 ft (20-30 m) tall, 2-3 ft (.6-1 m) trunk diameter

Average Dried Weight: 62 lbs/ft3 (925 kg/m3)

Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): .78, .93

Janka Hardness: 1,880 lbf (8,370 N)

Modulus of Rupture: 21,820 lbf/in2 (150.5 MPa)

Elastic Modulus: 2,586,000 lbf/in2 (17.83 GPa)

Crushing Strength: 11,590 lbf/in2 (79.9 MPa)

Shrinkage: Radial: 4.6%, Tangential: 6.7%, Volumetric: 11.9%, T/R Ratio: 1.5

Color/Appearance: Heartwood is a medium to dark brown, sometimes with a reddish hue. Lighter brown lines (from parenchyma) mixed throughout give a contrasted appearance. Pale sapwood is clearly demarcated from heartwood.

Grain/Texture: Grain is straight to slightly irregular, with a uniform medium texture and moderate natural luster.

Endgrain: Diffuse-porous; solitary and radial multiples; large pores in no specific arrangement, few; mineral/gum deposits occasionally present; parenchyma lozenge, winged, confluent, and marginal; narrow rays, spacing normal.

Rot Resistance: Rated as very durable; good insect resistance.

Workability: Moderately difficult to work on account of its density. Tends to blunt cutters. Turns, glues, and finishes well.

Odor: No characteristic odor.

Allergies/Toxicity: Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Brownheart has been reported to cause skin irritation. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.