Cambara

Scientific Name: Erisma uncinatum

Distribution: This specie occurs broadly throughout Central and South America, including several states of Brazil. It also grows in the French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname and Venezuela.

Other Names: Jaboty, Jaboti, Cambara couraie, Cedrinho, Quaruba vermelha, Manonti kouali, Felli kouali, Quarubarana, Quaruba vermelha, Quarubarana, Quarubatinga, Singri, Kwari, Mureillo.

Sap Wood: The characteristic grey-white color of the sapwood is easily distinguished from the heartwood.

Heart Wood: Notable pale pink brown to purplish brown or light reddish brown.

Processing: Very little degrade occurs during drying even though the rate is fairly rapid. There is a slight to moderate tendency to check and distort during drying. Cambara is easy to saw; exerts a slight blunting affect on cutters. The texture is slightly abrasive, but it responds well to planing and other machining operations. This material converts well in to veneers by peeling and slicing. Gluing properties are reported to be generally good, and nail holding characteristics are also rated as good.

Substitutes: Cambara is similar in properties to Meranti and can be used in similar applications. It is generally more consistent in color.

Durability: Although resistance to attack by termites is rated as poor, resistance to attack by decay causing fungi and dry wood insects is good. Response to preservative treatments is reported to vary from moderate to poor.

Common Uses: Boat building, cabinet making, boxes, crates, fine furniture, joinery, plywood, moldings.