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Blunting Effect Boring Carving Comments Common Names Common Uses Countries of Distribution Cutting Resistance Distribution Overview Drying Defects Ease of Drying Environmental Profile Family Name Gluing Grain Heartwood Color Kiln Schedules Light-Induced Color Change Luster Mortising Moulding Movement in Service Nailing Natural Durability Numerical Data Odor Painting Planing Polishing Product Sources References Regions of Distribution Resistance to Impregnation Resistance to Splitting Response to Hand Tools Routing & Recessing Sanding Sapwood Color Scientific Name Screwing Silica Content Steam Bending Strength Properties Synonyms Texture Toxicity Trade Name Tree Identification Tree Size Turning Varnishing		Scientific Name Manilkara bidentata Trade Name Bulletwood Family Name Sapotaceae Synonyms Manilkara balata, Manilkara dariensis, Manilkara huberi, Manilkara nitida, Manilkara surinamensis, Mimusops balata, Mimusops bidentata, Mimusops globosa, Mimusops nitida, Mimusops riedeleana, Mimusops surinamensis Common Names Abeille, Acana, Almiqui, Aus, Ausabo, Ausubo, Balata, Balata burue, Balata franc, Balata gomme, Balata rouge, Beefwood, Boeti, Bolletri, Bolletrie, Borowe, Botrie, Bulletwood, Bully, Bully tree, Chicozapota, Chicozapote, Horseflesh, Iriar, Kobero, Macaranduba, Maparajuba, Massarandu, Massaranduba, Miurajuba, Nispero, Paardevleeshout, Pamashto, Paraju, Purgio, Purgo, Purue, Quinilla, Quinilla colorada, Red balata, Red lancewood, Sapotille, South American mahogany Regions of Distribution Central America, Latin America, North America, Oceania and S.E. Asia Countries of Distribution  [VIEW MAP] Brazil, Columbia, Dominican Republic, French Guiana, Guadelope [France], Guyana, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico [US], Puerto Rico, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela Common Uses Bent Parts, Billiard-cue butts, Boat building (general), Boat building: framing, Bridge beams, Bridge construction, Bridge joists, Building construction, Building materials, Cabin construction, Cabinetmaking, Chairs, Charcoal, Chests, Construction, Decks, Desks, Dining-room furniture, Domestic flooring, Drawer sides, Exterior trim & siding, Exterior uses, Factory construction, Fine furniture, Fishing rods, Flooring, Flooring: industrial heavy traffic, Furniture , Furniture components, Furniture squares or stock, Furniture, Handles, Hatracks, Heavy construction, Joinery, Kitchen cabinets, Light construction, Living-room suites, Marine construction, Matches, Mathematical instruments, Mine timbers, Musical instruments , Musical instruments, Musical instruments: percussion, Musical instruments: strings, Naval architecture, Office furniture, Parquet flooring, Piling, Posts, Radio - stereo - TV cabinets, Railroad ties, Rustic furniture, Shade rollers, Shafts/Handles, Shingles, Skis, Sporting Goods, Structural work, Textile equipment, Tool handles, Turnery, Vehicle parts, Veneer: decorative, Violin bows, Wheel spokes Environmental Profile Vulnerable Widespread, abundant, and globally secure May be rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery Data source is Nature Conservancy Distribution Overview Widely distributed throughout the West Indies, Central America, and northern South America; occurs in many forest types and not exacting as to soil or topography.  Locally frequent. Heartwood Color Yellow Brown Red Reddish brown Red Dark brown Pale red to pink Purple Light red Dull plum red Brown Sapwood Color Brown Yellow White Pink White to yellow White to pale brown Pinkish Color not distinct from heartwood Grain Straight Interlocked Wavy Figure Distinct (figure) Closed Even Weak (figure) Straight Interlocked Wavy Distinct figure Weak figure Occasionally interlocked, but not always Generally straight, but not always Texture Fine Even or uniform Uniform Coarse Medium Fine Uniform Medium Fine to medium Luster Low Slightly lustrous Dull Lustrous Low to Medium Natural Durability Durable Non-resistant to powder post beetles Very durable Susceptible to marine borer attack Resistant to attack from termites (Isoptera) Moderately resistant to termite (Isoptera) attack Durable Resistant to wood staining fungal attack Weathering properties are very poor Susceptible to marine borer attack Susceptible to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles Resistant to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles Pinworms (ambrosia beetles) often present in the standing tree Pinworms (ambrosia beetles) may be present in the felled log Moderately resistant to attack by termites Highly resistant to decay fungi, and subterranean termites Odor No specific smell or taste Silica Content Siliceous Light-Induced Color Change Darker Toxicity Sawdust can cause irritation in some individuals Non-toxic Dermatitic effects Kiln Schedules Dry at a slow speed Drying (speed) is fast T1 - B1 (4/4) US Dry at a moderate speed Drying Defects Checking Distortion Severe twisting/warping Severe surface checking Slight cupping Slight spring/bow Moderate twist/warp Slight twist/warp Slight surface checking No twisting or warping No surface checking No end splitting No cupping, generally Moderate surface checking Moderate end spitting Ease of Drying Slowly Reconditioning Treatement Little degrade Difficult Difficult to air-season Controlled drying conditions will prevent rapid drying and yield best results. Tree Identification Bole/stem form is buttressed Bole/stem form is not buttressed Bole/stem form is straight Tree Size Tree height is 30-40 m Trees are usually swollen at the base, Product Sources The ITTO reports that the species is an important source of timber. It is usually exported at a low rate, and is also well known for its yield of balata or gutta-percha which is collected from tapped trees. Small quantities of Bulletwood are exported because the tree is valued for its latex. Supplies of lumber are limited, and the material is usually available at high prices from the larger importers in the United States. Comments General finishing qualities are rated as good Blunting Effect High to severe Medium effect Boring Fair to good results Fairly difficult to very difficult Easy Carving Fair to Good Results Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult Cutting Resistance Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult to saw Cutting Resistance with green wood is easy Cutting Resistance with dry wood is easy Moderately easy despite high density Gluing Difficult to glue Use special attention for best results Mortising Fair to Good Results Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult Finishes well Easy to mortise Moulding Fair to Good Results Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult Easy to mould Good finishing results Movement in Service Excellent Stability - Small Movement Medium Nailing Possible if prebored Difficult to nail Holds nails well Planing Fair to Good Results Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult Fairly Easy to Very Easy Easy to plane Planes well, to a good finish Satisfactory planing properties Difficult to plane Resistance to Impregnation Permeable sapwood Resistant heartwood Resistant sapwood Heartwood is extremely resistant Heartwood is resistant Extremely resistant Resistance to Splitting Satisfactory Response to Hand Tools Responds Readily Easy to Work Easy to machine Moderate working qualities Difficult to machine Good response Routing & Recessing Fair to Good Results Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult Sanding Good sanding finish Excellent sanding properties Easy to sand Screwing Screwing yields good results Turning Fair to Good Results Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult Poor results Easy to turn Difficult to turn Steam Bending Unsuitable Exudation Very good Painting Satisfactory results Polishing Fair to Good Results Fairly Easy to Very Easy Satisfactory results Good results Varnishing Good results Strength Properties Bending strength (MOR) = very high Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = very high Density (dry weight) = 61-67 lbs/cu. ft. Shrinkage, Radial = large Density (dry weight) = 67-75 lbs/cu. ft. Bending strength (MOR) = medium Shrinkage, Tangential = fairly large Shearing strength (parallele to grain) = very high Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = very high Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = high Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = high Shrinkage, Tangential = large Density (dry weight) = 53-60 lbs/cu. ft. Work to Maximum Load = very low Shrinkage, Tangential = moderate Shrinkage, Radial = small Max. crushing strength = low Hardness = very high Density (dry weight) = >75 lbs/cu. ft. Compression strength (parallel to grain) = very high Bending strength (MOR) = low Max. crushing strength = medium Max. crushing strength = high Bulletwood is equal to or superior to Greenheart (Ocotea rodiaei ) in shock resistance, hardness, shear, and bending strength. Numerical Data Item Green Dry English Bending Strength 16982 25609 psi Crushing Strength 2430 3773. psi Density 60 lbs/ft3 Hardness 3070 lbs Maximum Crushing Strength 8491 11619 psi Shearing Strength 2798 psi Static Bending 10898 14729 psi Stiffness 2595 3173 1000 psi Toughness 260 inch-lbs Work to Maximum Load 12 17 inch-lbs/in3 Specific Gravity 0.77 0.95 Weight 65 60 lbs/ft3 Radial Shrinkage 6 % Tangential Shrinkage 9 % Volumetric Shrinkage 17 % Item Green Dry Metric Bending Strength 1193 1800 kg/cm2 Crushing Strength 170 265. kg/cm2 Density 961 kg/m3 Hardness 1392 kg Maximum Crushing Strength 596 816 kg/cm2 Shearing Strength 196 kg/cm2 Static Bending 766 1035 kg/cm2 Stiffness 182 223 1000 kg/cm2 Toughness 299 cm-kg Work to Maximum Load 0.84 1.19 cm-kg/cm3 Specific Gravity 0.77 0.95 Weight 1041 961 kg/m3 Radial Shrinkage 6 % Tangential Shrinkage 9 % References Bena, P.,1960,Essences Forestieres de Guyane,Bureau Agricole et Forestier Guyanais Guyana Berni, C.A., Bolza, E., Christensen, F.J.,1979,South American Timbers - The Characteristics, Properties and Uses of 190,Species,C.S.I.R.O Div. Building Research Bois et Forets des Tropiques,1953,Balata rouge (Manilkara bidentata,Bois et Forets des Tropiques,No.28 pp35-8 Bolza, E.,1976,Timber and Health,Div. Building Res. C.S.I.R.O. Australia Boone, R.S., C.J. Kozlik, P.J. Bois, E.M. Wengert. 1988. Dry Kiln Schedules for Commercial Hardwoods - Temperate and Tropical. USDA, Forest Service, General Technical Report FPL-GTR-57, Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, Wisconsin. Brooks, R.L., et al,1941,Durability tests on Untreated Timbers in Trinidad,Caribbean Forester,2(3,pp101-119 Brown, W.H.,1978,Timbers of the World, No. 2 South America,TRADA, Red Booklet Series Brown, W.H.,1978,Timbers of the World, No. 9 Central America and the Caribbean,TRADA, Red Booklet Series Caribbean Commission,1952,Information on properties of timbers gathered by questionnaire and,collated in the secretariat of the Caribbean Commission including some,related data from technical literature.,Caribbean Commission, Port of Spain, Trinidad Caribbean Timbers, their,Utilization and Trade within the area CTUTA/1/Doc.7 + App.1-18 Chichignoud, M., G. Deon, P. Detienne, B. Parant and P. Vantomme. 1990. Tropical Timber Atlas of Latin America. International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO, Centre Technique Forestier Tropical, Division of CIRAD, 45 bis, Avenue de la Belle Gabrielle, Nogent-sur-marne, CEDEX, France. Chudnoff, M.,1984,Tropical Timbers of the World,U.S.A. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products,Laboratory, Madison. Dickinson, F.E.,1949,Properties and Uses of Tropical Woods 1,Tropical Woods,13(95,pp1-140 Ducke, A.,1943,The Most Important Woods of the Amazon Valley,Tropical Woods,12(74,pp1-15 Edmondson, C.H.,1949,Reaction of Woods from S.America and Caribbean areas to Marine Borers in,Hawaiian Waters,Caribbean Foresters,10(1,PP37-41 Erfurth, T., Rusche, H.,1976,The Marketing of Tropical Wood B. Wood Species from S. American Tropical,Moist Forests,F.A.O. Forestry Department Falla Ramirez, A.,1971,Resultados de los estudios Fisico-Mecanicos de 41 especies Maderables de,la,region Carare-Opon. (Results of studies of the physical and mechanical,properties of 41 timber species of the Carare-Opon region.,Inst. de Desarrollo de los Recursos Naturales Renovables. Div. For.,Pleagble Divulgativo, Inderena Colombia,pp6 Fanshawe, D.B.,1954,Forest Products of British Guiana Part 1 Principal Timbers,Forest Department British Guiana Forestry Bulletin (New Series 2nd,Edition,No.1 France - Comite Nacional des Bois Coloniaux,1931,Etude Physique et Mecanique des Bois Coloniaux,Assoc. Colonies-Sciences & Comite National des Bios Coloniaux, Paris,,France Guna et al, S.R.D.,1945,Notes on British Guiana Timbers,The 'Daily Chronicle' Ltd. Printers,28PP Hoheisel, H.,1968,Identification of some Colombian wood Sp. and their possible use on the,basis of physical and mechanical properties,Latin American Forest Research and Training Institute, Merida Venezuala Howard, A.L.,1948,A Manual of Timbers of the World.,Macmillan & Co. Ltd. London 3rd ed. Kline, M. 1979. Manilkara bidentata - Bulletwood. In A Guide to Useful Woods of the World. Flynn Jr., J.H., Editor. King Philip Publishing Co., Portland, Maine. 1994. Page 226-227. Kribs, D.A.,1950,Commercial and Foreign Woods on the American Market (a manual to their,structure, identification, uses and distribution,U.S.A. Penn. State College, Tropical Woods Laboratory Lamb, A.F.A., Wangaard, F.F.,1950,The Gluing Properties of certain Tropical American Woods,Yale Univ. School of Forestry Technical Report,4 Lang, W.G.,1954,Forest Utilization in Saint Lucia British West Indies,Caribbean Forester 15 pp120-3 Little, E.L., Wadsworth, F.H.,1964,Common Trees of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands,U.S.A. Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Handbook,No.249 Longwood, F.R.,1961,Puerto Rican Woods - Their Machining Seasoning and Related Characteristics,U.S.A. Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Handbook,No.205 Longwood, F.R.,1962,Commercial Timbers of the Caribbean,U.S.A. Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Handbook,No.207 Loureiro, A.A., Freitas da Silva, M.,1968,Catalogo das Madeiras da Amazonia (2 vols,Min. do Ultramar Belem Brasil Martin-Lavigne, E.,1909,Recherches sur les Bois de la Guyane,Vigot Freres Paris Polak, A.M.,1992,Major Timber Trees of Guyana A Field Guide,The Tropenbos Foundation Wageningen, The Netherlands Record, S.J.,1939,American Woods of the Family Sapotaceae,Tropical Woods 8(59) pp21-51 Sallenave, P.,1955,Proprietes Phyiques et Mecaniques des Bois Tropicaux de l'Union Francaise,C.T.F.T Surinam Forest Service,1952,Surinam Timber - A Summary with brief descriptions of the main timber,species of Surinam,Surinam Forest Service T.R.A.D.A.,1982,Timbers for river and sea constructions,TRADA Wood Information Section 0, Sheet 6 Takahashi, A.,1975,Compilation of data on the Mechanical Properties of Foreign Woods (Part 2,Central and South America,Shimane University, Japan, Research Report on Foreign Wood No.4 Villamil, F.G.,1971,Maderas Colombianas,Proexpo Colombia Vink, A.T.,1965,Surinam Timbers,Surinam Forest Service Paramaribo,3rd rev. ed. Wangaard, F.F., Chudnoff, M.,1950,The Steam Bending Properties of Certain Tropical American Woods,Yale Univ. School of Forestry Technical Report No. 6 Wangaard, F.F., Muschler, A.F.,1952,Properties and Uses of Tropical Woods 3,Tropical Woods,14(98, pp1-190 Wangaard, F.F., W.L. Stern, and A.F. Muschler. 1952. Tropical Woods - Properties and Uses of Tropical Woods, Volume III, No. 98. School of Forestry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut. Wangaard, F.F., W.L. Stern, and S.L. Goodrich. 1955. Tropical Woods - Properties and Uses of Tropical Woods, Volume V, No. 103. School of Forestry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut. Wangaard, F.F.,1951,The Physical Properties of Tropical Woods,F.A.O. For. & For. Prod. Studies Series No.3 Tropical Woods and Ag.,Residues as sources of pulp,pp10-16 Wolcott, G.N.,1940,A List of the Woods arranged according to their resistance to the attack,of,the 'Polilla', the Dry-wood Termite of the West Indies, Cryptotermes,brevis Walker,Caribbean Forester,1(4,PP1-10 Wolcott, G.N.,1950,An Index to the Termite Resistance of Woods,Agricultural Experimental Station, University of Puerto Rico Bulletin,No.85 Wood, B., Calnan, D.,1976,Toxic Woods,British Journal of Dermat 94 Suppl. 13