Botanically, Tatajuba(Bagassa guianensis) belongs to the Moraceae, the mulberry family, to which the well-known and durable wood species Iroko/Kambala also belongs. Its natural habitat is the Amazon basin. The species is frequently encountered there and is readily available.
Its color and properties are similar to the African wood species iroko and bilinga. Tatajuba, like these woods, initially has a yellow-brown color when freshly cut, which quickly darkens to a steady red-brown in the light. The structure of the wood is homogeneous and dense. The pores are visible to the naked eye and are scattered. Mostly strong, albeit visually inconspicuous, alternating torsion. However, selected trunks can also have a straight, even growth habit. Tatajuba has a simple appearance overall.
At 12% wood moisture content, the density is 0.79 t/m³. The swelling and shrinkage values are 5.2% tangentially and 3.7% radially, both good values. Despite its increased density, the wood has a low shrinkage. Tatajuba can be dried without any significant problems; however, drying should be done slowly. The hardness is high, analogous to the density, slightly above that of oak. The modulus of elasticity is 17,300 N/mm² (oak 13,000 N/mm²).
Tatajuba is weather-resistant and is classified as durability class 1 or 2, depending on the author. There are no data or indications of leaching.
Gardening and landscaping, park benches, heavy garden furniture, indoor and outdoor stairs, boat building, tool handles.
Replaces: Iroko/Kambala, Bangkirai, Bilinga, etc.
| References: |
Terrace deck, private house in Bad Vilbel Freisitz, Waldorf School Frankfurt Garden bridge |
| Sources: |
ATIBT (1990): Atlas de Maderas Tropicales de Latin América IBAMA (2002): Madeiras Tropicais Brasileiras |
Note: according to the latest findings, but excluding any liability
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