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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 Drying Rate Kiln Schedules Light-Induced Color Change Luster Mortising Moulding Nailing Natural Durability Numerical Data Odor Planing Polishing References Regions of Distribution Resistance to Impregnation Response to Hand Tools Sanding Sapwood Color Scientific Name Silica Content Staining Strength Properties Synonyms Texture Trade Name Tree Identification Tree Size Turning		Scientific Name Anacardium excelsum Trade Name Espave Family Name Anacardiaceae Synonyms Anacardium rhinocarpus Common Names Bouchi-caju, Cahu, Cajarana, Cajou, Caju, Caju assu, Caju da Malta, Caju da matta, Caju do campo, Cajueiro do campos, Cajuhy, Cajuvana, Caracoli, Caschou, Cashu, Espave, Espavel, Espavel amarillo, Espavel rosado, Gran cashew, Hoobodia, Maranon, Maranon de montana, Mija, Mijagao, Mijao, Pomme caju, Quina, Wild cashew Regions of Distribution Central America, Latin America, Oceania and S.E. Asia Countries of Distribution  [VIEW MAP] Brazil, Colombia, Columbia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Guyana, Nicaragua, Panama, Venezuela Common Uses Baskets, Beams, Boat building (general), Boxes and crates, Building construction, Cabin construction, Cabinetmaking, Canoes, Casks, Chairs, Chests, Concealed parts (Furniture), Concrete formwork, Construction, Decks, Decorative plywood, Decorative veneer, Desks, Dining-room furniture, Domestic flooring, Dowell pins, Dowells, Drawer sides, Factory construction, Figured veneer, Fine furniture, Floor lamps, Flooring, Food containers, Form work, Foundation posts, Framing, Furniture , Furniture components, Furniture squares or stock, Furniture, Hatracks, Heavy construction, Joinery, Joists, Kitchen cabinets, Light construction, Living-room suites, Millwork, Office furniture, Packing cases, Parquet flooring, Plywood, Posts, Pulp/Paper products, Veneer: decorative Environmental Profile Vulnerable Abundant/Secure Rare Vulnerable in parts of its habitat and may soon become Endangered if current trends of over-exploitation and habitat destruction persist Vulnerable in many parts of its natural habitat May be rare in some parts of its range Generally widespread, secure, and abundant within most of its range Data source is World Conservation Monitoring Center Data source is Nature Conservancy Vulnerable in Panama. Unknown status in Cuba, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, and Venezuela Distribution Overview Costa Rica south through Panama to Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador. Frequently found in coastal areas on well-drained soils.  Almost pure stands report in the Darien Province of Panama. Heartwood Color Brown Red Yellow Orange Purple Pink Green/grey Yellow to golden-yellow to orange Pale brown Reddish brown Brown Pale red to pink Greenish to greyish Turn reddish brown upon exposure Purple Sapwood Color White Yellow Pink Green/Grey White to yellow Clearly differentiated from the heartwood Pinkish Different than heartwood Straw colored to grayish-white Grain Figure Distinct (figure) Interlocked Stripe (figure) Even Rays (figure) Straight Interlocked Distinct figure Striped figure Distinct figure Rays figure Generally straight, but not always Small dark ray flecks, interlocked grain, and a natural sheen are reported to combine to yield an attractive ribbon figure on quarter sawn surfaces. The wood is frequently and prominently marked by attractive vessel lines. Texture Medium Coarse Fine Medium Coarse Medium to coarse Fine Luster Medium High Low Lustrous Pronounced High Dull Natural Durability Non-durable Susceptible to insect attack Moderately durable Durable Perishable Resistant to termites Non-resistant to powder post beetles Non-resistant to termites Non durable Moderately durable Susceptible to attack from termites (Isoptera) Susceptible to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles Resistant to attack from termites (Isoptera) Pinworms (ambrosia beetles) are commonly present Susceptible to wood staining fungal attack Durable Odor No specific smell or taste Silica Content Siliceous Likely to have significant impact on machining Contains silica Light-Induced Color Change Darker Kiln Schedules Drying (speed) is fast UK=E US=T6D2/T3D Fr=5 T6 - D2 (4/4); T3 - D1 (8/4) US Drying Defects Checking Distortion Slight surface checking Slight twist/warp Moderate twist/warp Moderate surface checking Ease of Drying Moderately Difficult to Difficult Fairly Easy Rapidly Little degrade Moderate Difficult Dries at a moderate rate with little degrade. Kiln Drying Rate Naturally dries quickly Tree Identification Bole/stem form is not buttressed Tree Size Trunk diameter is 100-150 cm Tree height is 30-40 m Tree height is 40-50 m Bole length is 10-20 m Tree height is 20-30 m Tree height is 10-20 m Trunk diameter is 150-200 cm Comments General finishing qualities are rated as good Boring Fairly easy to very easy Fair to good results Fairly difficult to very difficult Easy Fair results Carving Fair to Good Results Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult Cutting Resistance Easy to saw Low resistance to sawing Gluing Fairly Easy to Very Easy Easy to glue Mortising Fair to Good Results Fairly Easy to Very Easy Very Good to Excellent Results Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult Finishes well Easy to mortise Good mortising properties Moulding Fairly Easy to Very Easy Fair to Good Results Very Good to Excellent Results Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult Good finishing results Easy to mould Good moulding properties Nailing Fairly Easy to Very Easy Easy to nail Planing Poor to Very Poor Results Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult Planes to a poor finish Difficult to plane Resistance to Impregnation Permeable sapwood Resistant heartwood Resistant sapwood Sapwood is treatable Heartwood is moderately resistant Response to Hand Tools Easy to Work Fairly Difficult to Difficult to Work Easy to machine Moderate working qualities Difficult to machine Sanding Poor to Very Poor Results Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult Poor results Difficult to sand Turning Fairly Easy to Very Easy Fair to Good Results Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult Easy to turn Fair Difficult to turn Polishing Fair to Good Results Satisfactory results Staining Fair to Good Results Finish is generally satisfactory Strength Properties Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = very low Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = very low Bending strength (MOR) = low Bending strength (MOR) = very low Density (dry weight) = 31-37 lbs/cu. ft. Shrinkage, Radial = very small Max. crushing strength (stiffness) = very low Shrinkage, Tangential = small Shrinkage, Tangential = very small Max. crushing strength = high Shrinkage, Radial = small Shrinkage, Tangential = moderate Max. crushing strength = medium Max. crushing strength = low Numerical Data Item Green Dry English Bending Strength 4961 7519 psi Crushing Strength 353 500 psi Density 31 lbs/ft3 Hardness 545 lbs Impact Strength 15 inches Maximum Crushing Strength 2496 4353 psi Shearing Strength 900 psi Static Bending 3185 5527 psi Stiffness 1083 1289 1000 psi Toughness 56 inch-lbs Work to Maximum Load 4 6 inch-lbs/in3 Specific Gravity 0.33 0.33 Weight 30 26 lbs/ft3 Radial Shrinkage 2 % Tangential Shrinkage 5 % Volumetric Shrinkage 8 % Item Green Dry Metric Bending Strength 348 528 kg/cm2 Crushing Strength 24 35 kg/cm2 Density 496 kg/m3 Hardness 247 kg Impact Strength 38 cm Maximum Crushing Strength 175 306 kg/cm2 Shearing Strength 63 kg/cm2 Static Bending 223 388 kg/cm2 Stiffness 76 90 1000 kg/cm2 Toughness 64 cm-kg Work to Maximum Load 0.28 0.42 cm-kg/cm3 Specific Gravity 0.33 0.33 Weight 480 416 kg/m3 Radial Shrinkage 2 % Tangential Shrinkage 5 % References Acosta-Solis, M.,1960,Maderas Economicas del Ecuador y sus Usos,Editorial Casa de la Culhra Ecuatoriana Quito Arno, J. 1989. Anacardium excelsum - Espave. In A Guide to Useful Woods of the World, Flynn Jr., J.H., Editor. King Philip Publishing Co., Portland, Maine. 1994. Page 38-40. Association Technique Internationale des Bois Tropicaux,1955,Nomenclature Generale des Bois Tropicaux,Assoc. Tec. Int. des Bois Tropicaux Nogent-sur-Marne France 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 Bodig, J. and B. A. Jayne. 1982. Mechanics of Wood and Wood Composites. Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, New York. 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. Brazier, J.D., Franklin, G.L.,1967,An Appraisal of the Wood Characteristics and Potential Uses of some,Nicaraguan Timbers,FAO for Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough Brown, W.H.,1969,Properties and uses of Tropical hardwoods in the United Kingdom. Part 1,Nonstructural properties and uses.,Conference on Tropical hardwoods SC-5/TN-5, Syracuse University Brown, W.H.,1978,Timbers of the World, No. 2 South America,TRADA, Red Booklet Series 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. Cooper, G.P.,1930,Espave (Anacardium rhinocarpus DC,Tropical Woods,3(22, PP4-9 Erfurth, T., Rusche, H.,1976,The Marketing of Tropical Wood B. Wood Species from S. American Tropical,Moist Forests,F.A.O. Forestry Department Forest Products Research Laboratory, U.K.,1943,Foreign Woods,- 2 Notes on Freijo (Cordia goeldiana) and Quaruba,(Vochysia,spp.,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough Leaflet,No. 29 Fors, A.J.,1965,Maderas Cubanas,Inst. Nac. Ref. Agraria La Habara France - C.T.F.T./C.T.B.,1982,Guide pour le Choix des Essences Deroulables-pour la fabrication du,contreplaque,C.T.F.T./C.T.B. France Gerry, E., Kryn, J.M.,1952,Espave (Anacardium excelsum,U.S.A. Department of Agriculture, Forest Products Laboratory, Madison,Information Leaflet on Foreign Woods Hess, R.W., Wangaard, F.F., Dickinson, F.E.,1950,Properties and Uses of Tropical Woods 2,Tropical Woods,13(97,pp1-132 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 Kukachka, B.F.,1970,Properties of Imported Tropical Woods,Forest Research Paper FPL 125 Little, E.L.,1948,A Collection of Tree Specimens from Western Ecuador,Caribbean Forester,9(3,pp215-98 Patterson, D.,1988,Commercial Timbers of the World, 5th Edition,Gower Technical Press Record, S.J., Hess, R.W.,1943,Timbers of the New World,Yale University Press Record, S.J.,1939,American Woods of the Family Anacardiaceae,Tropical Woods,8(60,pp11-45 Scheffer, T.C., Duncan, C.G.,1947,The Decay Resistance of certain Central American and Ecuadorian Woods,Tropical Woods,12(92, PP1-24 Simpson, W.T. and J.A. Sagoe. 1991. Relative Drying Times of 650 Tropical Woods : Estimation by Green Moisture Content, Specific Gravity, and Green Weight Density. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA, Forest Service, General Technical Report FPL-GTR-71, Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, Wisconsin. Slooten van der, H.J., Martinez, E.P.,1959,Descripcion y propiedades de algunas madeiras Venezolanas,Inst. for Lation Americano de Investigacion y Capaciticion Boletin,Informaturo Dirulgaturo Smith, N.J.H, J.T. Williams, D.L. Plucknett and J.P. Talbot. 1992. Tropical Forests and their Crops. Comstock Publishing Associates, a division of Cornell University Press, Ithaca. 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 Timber Development Association Ltd.,1948,Notes on Ecuadorian Timbers,TRADA, Timber Information,35,pp5 Timber Development Association,1948,Some New Timbers and Their Uses No. 34,Timber Development Association Limited, London [TRADA] Titmuss, F.H.,1965,Commercial Timbers of the World,Technical Press Ltd., London, 3rd edition Venezuela-Laboratories Nacional de Productos Forestates,1974,Caraderisticas, Propiedades y usos de 104 Maderas de los allos Ilanos,occidentales,Min. Ag. y Cria, Universidad de Los andes, Merida, Venezuela Lab.Nac. de,Prod. For. Villamil, F.G.,1971,Maderas Colombianas,Proexpo Colombia Wangaard, F.F., 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., Muschler, A.F.,1952,Properties and Uses of Tropical Woods 3,Tropical Woods,14(98, pp1-190 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 WCMC. 1992. Conservation Status Listing - Trees and Timbers of the World. World Conservation Monitoring Center-Plants Programme, Cambridge, CB3 ODL, United Kingdom. Woods, R.P.,1949,Timbers of South America,TRADA, Red Booklet Series