Other Common Names: Basralokus, Barakaroeballi (Surinam), Angelique batard, Angelique gris (French Guiana). Another species, Dicorynia paraensis is found in the Brazilian Amazon and is called Angelica do Para.

 

Distribution: Abundant in eastern Surinam and western French Guiana where it may make up 10% of the forest stands. Best growth on deep, loamy, well-drained soils of lowland plains but also found in wet areas.

 

The Tree: Well-formed tree to a height of 150 ft and diameters to 5 ft but more commonly to 3

ft Boles are clear for 60 to 80 ft over heavy buttresses.

 

The Wood:

General Characteristics: Heartwood reddish brown gray to reddish- or yellowish brown sharply demarcated from narrow brownish-white sapwood. Texture medium; unusual subsurface luster; grain usually straight, sometimes somewhat interlocked; no distinctive odor or taste. Vessels are prominent as long brown lines on side grain producing an attractive figure. Silica content reported 0.20 to 1.70% and as high 2.92%.

 

Weight: Basic specific gravity (ovendry weight/green volume) 0.65; air-dry density 50 pcf.

 

Mechanical Properties: (2-in. standard)

 

Moisture content   Bending strength   Modulus of elasticity   Maximum crushing strength

            (%)                  (Psi)              (1,000 psi)                     (Psi)

Green (74)                   11,410                        1,840                5,590

12%                            17,390                        2,190                8,770

 

Janka side hardness 1,100 lb. for green material and 1,290 lb. at 12% moisture content. Forest Products Laboratory toughness average for green and air-dry material is 151 in.-lb. (5/8-in. specimen).

 

Drying and Shrinkage: Moderately difficult to season, dries rapidly but with a tendency to moderate checking and slight warping. A kiln schedule similar to T2- B2 has been suggested. Shrinkage green to ovendry: radial 4.6%; tangential 8.2%; volumetric 14.0%. Reported to hold its place well after manufacture. Heartwood quite resistant to moisture absorption.

 

Working Properties: Working properties vary according to density and silica content but generally works well and finishes smoothly. Specially tipped cutters are suggested particularly for dried wood. Glues well.

 

Durability: Heartwood is resistant to very resistant to attack by decay fungi but is somewhat susceptible to dry-wood termites. The wood is resistant to attack by marine borers.

 

Preservation: No data available but is reported as probably extremely resistant to preservative treatment.

 

Uses: Marine construction and general heavy construction, railroad crossties, industrial flooring, ship decking, planking, and framing, piling, parquet blocks and strips.