Andira
Latin name: Andira spp
Also known as: Maquilla (Mexico), Angelin (Trinidad and Tobago), Acapurana (Brazil)
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Wood Type:
Hardwood
Durability:
Durable (Some species listed as Very Durable)
Treatability:
Difficult
Moisture Movement:
Small
Density (mean, Kg/m³):
800
Texture:
Coarse
Availability:
Limited availability at specialist timber merchant
Use(s):
Joinery - Exterior, Joinery - Interior, Furniture, Flooring, Cladding
Colour(s):
Pink/pale red, Reddish brown
Environmental
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species classifies A. galeottiana as VU – Vunerable: at risk of extinction. However, other Andira spp believed available from certified sources.
Distribution
Occurs throughout the West Indies and from southern Mexico through Central America to northern South America and Brazil.
The tree
The trees are unbuttressed, and of moderate size up to 40m tall and with boles of 0.5m to 1m, with a clear bole of up to 30m achieved.
The timber
The sapwood is narrow and pale brown to greyish yellow.
Drying
Dries at a moderate rate with little degrade, sapwood may be susceptible to sap-stain.
Strength
Comparable to beech in bending but with an MOE (modulus of elasticity) slightly lower than greenheart.
Working qualities
Moderate - Saws and works fairly well, with some difficulty in planing to a smooth surface due to bands of soft and hard tissue. Holds nails and screws well, and glues satisfactorily.
