Scientific Name:
Alchornea triplinervia (Spreng) Muell. Arg., Euphorbiaceae.
Other Names and Related Species:
It receives other names such as Tapiá, Tapiá-guaçu, Tapiá-mirim, Folha-de-bolo, Tamanqueira, Canela-sambaia and Malacaxeta. In Paraná and Santa Catarina, it is called Taneiro and Canela-raposa. The name Caixeta is used indistinctly for a large number of forest species whose woods present similar characteristics. Those of the Alchornea, A. sidifolia and A. iricurana genus stand out.
Description of the Tree:
Classified as a large tree, it reaches a height of up to 25 m and a diameter of 60 cm; at chest height. The dark or cherry colored bark has small cracks giving a sensation of roughness to the touch.
Wood Characteristics:
Sapwood and heartwood in light beige to beige-pink tone; its surface is smooth, dull, medium to coarse texture and straight grain. No smell or taste can be distinguished.
Region of Occurrence:
It grows in the coastal forest regions in the states of São Paulo, Paraná and Santa Catarina.
Physical-Mechanical Properties:
The classification given to Caixeta shows a light wood, with low volumetric retractability and mechanical resistance, with high susceptibility to rotting and insect attack.
Behavior During Drying:
Reported to be an easily dried wood, with no occurrence of defects.
Workability:
Its physical-mechanical characteristics reveal that it is a wood easy to work with in various mechanical operations.
Suggested Uses:
For parts that do not require long service life or resistance, such as light casing, door cores, plywood panels, broom handles and others.
Source: REMADE