How Big Are Brazilian Walnut Trees?
Brazilian walnut trees are found in the high altitudes of the rainy forests of Santa Catharina and Parana in southern Brazil. These massive trees grow to anywhere from 130 to 165 feet tall, making it one of the tallest trees of its kind. The Brazilian walnut tree is 6 feet in diameter and is also known as Embuia, Ipe or Canella imbuia. Does this Spark an idea?
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Tough Stuff
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The wood from the Brazilian walnut tree provides the densest and hardest of any of the hardwood family found in Brazil. Is has a Janka rating of 3,680, which means that it is the hardest wood available. In regard to fire rating, it gets a Grade A, which is the same grade that is given to cement and concrete. The Brazilian walnut does not easily damage.
This tree is also found in Guatemala, Venezuela, Peru and Bolivia but primarily in the south of Brazil. The word "walnut" comes from the English term "wealhhnutu," which means foreign nut. Walnut trees are used commercially for timber or for their nuts.
Wood Appearance
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The wood from the Brazilian walnut can range from very dark brown to light brown and even to deep red. It consists of fine grain and has a stripe in it comparable to that which is found on a zebra. The texture is soft, and the wood has an ability to resist fungus. It is much denser than red oak.
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Uses
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Brazilian walnut can be used for cabinetry, garden furniture, tool handles, bridge decking, commercial and residential flooring, decorating veneer and joinery. It is so hard that it makes it difficult to work with, according to Floormall.com. It easily dulls bladed tools and resists being nailed, which requires that any nail holes in the wood be pre-drilled for the nails to be set properly. Brazilian walnut resists scratching and is very durable because of the dense fibers that it's made up of, which makes it good for high-traffic areas.
Endangered
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According to the Rainforest Action Organization, the Brazilian walnut tree is on the selected endangered, threatened and vulnerable tree species list due to commercial use, decreased habitat and construction uses. Brazilian walnut is much sought after because of its longevity and strength. Because it is so much in demand, illegal logging of this wood in the Amazon rain forest by slave labor occurs, according to ProHowtos.ipower.com.
Concerns
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The Brazilian walnut contains various alkalines, according to Wflooring.com, which interferes with the wood's ability to dry and also with adhesion and staining. Some oil finishes may dry on this wood whereas other won't. Neutral oil finishes can have a reaction to the alkalines, which turns the wood red. If the wood is not dried properly it can shrink. This wood must be over-dried in a kiln during the drying process.
Brazilian wood is quite expensive because it is considered to be an exotic species.
This tree has been known to cause contact dermatitis allergic reactions and also respiratory distress in some people. Take caution (wear a mask) when exposed to the dust of this tree.
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