Botanically, Incienso colorado (Myroxylon balsamum) belongs to the Palilionaceae, a subfamily of legumes. Depending on the region, the species is also traded as balsamo (the leading international name), Santos mahogany or cabreuva vermelha (red cabreuva). The natural distribution area extends from Peru via Bolivia to Brazil and Paraguay. The trees are not numerous, but can grow to a stately size.
The heartwood has an intense brown-red color, the pores are medium to fine, the texture is intertwined to straight grained, occasionally interlocked, overall dense, hard wood. Very decorative.
The density is specified as 0.95 t/m3 at a wood moisture content of 12%. The volumetric shrinkage from juice fresh to 12% is 9.97%, the radial shrinkage is given as 4.2% and the tangential shrinkage as 6.5%. Incienso colorado has comparatively good shrinkage and swelling values and is easy to dry. The wood is easy to work and polish in every respect with sharp tools.
The modulus of elasticity is given as 17,500 N/mm2 and the bending stiffness as 134 N/mm2. The Brinell hardness is given as 38.
Although Incienso colorado is weather-resistant, it is rarely used outdoors.
GOTTWALD (1970) Wood identification of the most important commercial timbers
Centro Amazónico de Desarrollo Forestal (2001): Wood species Balsamo
Note: according to the latest findings, but excluding any liability
