Distribution: B.
Alicastrum and other closely related species are found in
southern Mexico through Central America and southward into
the Peruvian Amazon.
General Characteristics: Trees
reach a height of 120 ft, with straight cylindrical boles
to 75 ft; diameters may reach up to 30 to 40 in. Both sapwood
and heartwood are a uniform yellowish white; wood around
knots and other defects may be a distinct red. Texture
is fine to medium; grain is straight to irregular and shallowly
interlocked; luster low; without distinctive odor or taste.
Weight: Basic specific gravity
(ovendry weight/green volume) very variable with species
ranging between 0.55 to 0.72; air-dry density from 45 to
65 pcf.
Working Properties: Reported
to be easy to moderately difficult to machine. Because
of its density and silica content of 0.68%, proper cutters
should be selected. Figured wood is sliced for face veneers
without difficulty.
Durability: Durability is
low, vulnerable to attach by white-rot and brown-rot fungi.
Particularly susceptible to insect attack because of abundant
starch.
Preservation: No information
available.
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