Common Name:

General Information

Virola macrocarpa is an evergreen tree that can grow from 10 - 30 metres tall[].
The tree is harvested from the wild as a source of oil and wood.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Peru, Ecuador, Colombia; C. America - Panama, Costa Rica.

Habitat

Wet or very humid forests at low to moderate elevations[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	20.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if seed is required[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

An oil obtained from the seeds is used for making soap and candles[].

The wood is used[].
We do not have any more information on the wood of this species. However, a general description of the wood from this genus is as follows:-
Upon drying and exposure, the heartwood becomes a pinkish golden-brown or a deep reddish-brown; it is sharply demarcated from the cream to tan coloured sapwood. The texture is rather coarse; the grain straight; lustre is low to medium; there is no distinctive odour or taste. The wood is not resistant to attack by decay fungi and is very susceptible to attack by termites and other insects; logs require prompt conversion or water storage to prevent damage by pinhole borers; bacterial attack resulting in the formation of odoriferous compounds is also reported. It is generally reported to be difficult to season, with a strong tendency to warp and check as well as collapse and honeycomb; thick stock is slow to dry. It works easily with both hand and machine tools and produces a good finish; it glues well; cuts well into veneers. The wood is used for purposes such as veneer and plywood, particle and fiberboard, furniture components, boxes and crates, light construction, general carpentry, millwork[].

Propagation

Seed -

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