Botanically, Balsamo / Incienso(Myroxylon balsamum) belongs to the Papilionaceae family (legumes). The species is distributed over large parts of Central and South America and is traded under various names. Well-known names are Balsamo (ATIBT’s leading name), Incienso, Cabreuva vermelho (Brazil), Quina-Quina (Argentina). The tree species is relatively readily available and grows into well-formed trees.
Heartwood initially yellowish brown to pinkish red, darkening to mahogany red in the light. Pores fine and scattered, surrounded by storage cells, also arranged in rows along the growth zones. Growth zones sometimes delimited by color, forming subtle stripes in radial sections. Often intertwined grain, decorative.
The density at u=12% is 0.92 t/m³. The shrinkage from the fresh state to 12% residual moisture is specified as 6.2% tangential and 3.8% radial. Drying must be adapted to the density of the wood and must be carried out correspondingly slowly. Balsamo is certified as having good dimensional stability. The wood can only be worked with increased force, carbide-tipped tools are recommended. Planed surfaces are noticeably hard and dense. Attractive surfaces can be created. The Brinell hardness is approx. 43.
The modulus of elasticity is 16,900 N/mm2, flexural strength 170 N/mm2. Balsamo / Incienso is weatherproof, but is rarely used outdoors due to its high price. Strongly aromatic during processing, hence the name (Incienso = Incent Wood), fragrance fades with time when installed.
Interior and exterior wood fittings, parquet, stairs
Afzelia-Doussié, Jatobá, etc.
ATIBT: Atlas de Maderas de América Latina
GOTTWALD (1970) Wood identification of the most important commercial timbers
Center Technique des Forets Tropicales, Nogent-sur-Marne, 1982
Note: according to the latest findings, but excluding any liability
