(50 lb ft–3) at 12% moisture content). The strength proper-
ties of courbaril are quite high and very similar to those of
shagbark hickory (Carya ovata), a species of lower specific
gravity. Courbaril is rated as moderately to very resistant
to attack by decay fungi and dry-wood termites. The heart-
wood is not treatable, but the sapwood is treatable with
preservatives. Courbaril is moderately difficult to saw and
machine because of its high density, but it can be machined
to a smooth surface. Turning, gluing, and finishing proper-
ties are satisfactory. Planing, however, is somewhat dif-
ficult because of the interlocked grain. Courbaril compares
favorably with white oak (Quercus alba) in steam-bending
behavior.
Courbaril is used for tool handles and other applications
that require good shock resistance. It is also used for steam-
bent parts, flooring, turnery, furniture and cabinetwork,
veneer and plywood, railroad crossties, and other specialty
items.
Crabwood
(see Andiroba)
Cristobal
(see Macawood)
Cuangare
(see Banak)
Degame
Degame or lemon-
wood (Calycophyllum
candidissimum) grows
in Cuba and ranges
from southern Mexico
through Central
America to Colombia
and Venezuela. It
may grow in pure
stands and is common on shaded hillsides and along
waterways.
The heartwood of degame ranges from light brown to
oatmeal-colored and is sometimes grayish. The sapwood is
lighter in color and merges gradually with the heartwood.
The texture is fine and uniform. The grain is usually straight
or infrequently shows shallow interlocking, which may
produce a narrow and indistinct stripe on quartered faces.
In strength, degame is above the average for woods of
similar density; density of air-dried wood is 817 kg m–3
(51 lb ft–3). Tests show degame superior to persimmon
(Diospyros virginiana) in all respects but hardness. Natural
durability is low when degame is used under conditions fa-
vorable to stain, decay, and insect attack. However, degame
is reported to be highly resistant to marine borers. Degame
is moderately difficult to machine because of its density and
hardness, although it does not dull cutting tools to any ex-
tent. Machined surfaces are very smooth.
Degame is little used in the United States, but its character-
istics have made it particularly adaptable for shuttles, picker
sticks, and other textile industry items that require resilience
and strength. Degame was once prized for the manufacture
of archery bows and fishing rods. It is also suitable for tool
handles and turnery.
Determa
Determa (Ocotea rubra)
is native to the Guianas,
Trinidad, and the lower
Amazon region of Brazil.
The heartwood is light
reddish brown with a
golden sheen and distinct
from the dull gray or pale
yellowish brown sapwood. The texture is rather coarse, and
the grain is interlocked to straight. Determa is a moderately
strong and heavy wood (density of air-dried wood is
640 to 720 kg m–3 (40 to 45 lb ft–3)); this wood is moder-
ately difficult to air dry. It can be worked readily with hand
and machine tools with little dulling effect. It can be glued
readily and polished fairly well. The heartwood is durable
to very durable in resistance to decay fungi and moderately
resistant to dry-wood termites. Weathering characteristics
are excellent, and the wood is highly resistant to moisture
absorption.
Uses for determa include furniture, general construction,
boat planking, tanks and cooperage, heavy marine construc-
tion, turnery, and parquet flooring.
Ehie
(see Benge)
Ekki
(see Azobe)
Ekop
Ekop or gola (Tetraber‑
linia tubmaniana) grows
only in Liberia.
The heartwood is light
reddish brown and is
distinct from the lighter
colored sapwood, which
may be up to 5 cm (2 in.)
wide. The wood is medium to coarse textured, and the grain
is interlocked, with a narrow striped pattern on quartered
surfaces. The wood weighs about 735 kg m–3 (46 lb ft–3) at
12% moisture content. It dries fairly well but with a marked
tendency to end and surface checks. Ekop works well
with hand and machine tools and is an excellent wood for
turnery. It also slices well into veneer and has good gluing
properties. The heartwood is only moderately durable and
is moderately resistant to impregnation with preservative
treatments.Chapter 2 Characteristics and Availability of Commercially Important Woods