Tatabu – (Diplotropis purpurea)
Scientific Name: Diplotropis purpurea
Family: Papillionaceae
Common Name: Tatabu
International Trade Name: Sucupira
Wood Appearance
Heartwood dark chocolate-brown in colour with conspicuous paler markings, giving a decorative appearance which may be enhanced on quarter surface by a striped figure. Sapwood whitish, sharply demarcated from heartwood. Grain interlocked; sometimes irregular texture moderately coarse.
Physical and Mechanical Properties
A heavy, strong, durable wood processing high strength properties.
| Average Dried Weight: | 1000 kg/m³ (62lb/ft³) |
| Modulus of Rapture (Bending Strength) at 12% N/mm² | 156 |
| Elastic Modulus at 12% N/mm² | 18000 |
| Crushing Strength at 12% N/mm²: | 88 |
| Shrinkage: | Radial: 4.9% Tangential: 7.0% Volumetric: 12.3% |
| Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): | .81 |
Natural Durability
Very resistant to decay under exacting conditions of use. Highly resistant to fungus and termite attack.
Timber Processing
Drying: Dries readily but slowly without distortion or splitting.
Sawing: Power required, blunting effect: moderate
Machining: Difficult due to hardness and interlocked grained.
Nailing: Pre-boring necessary, hold nails and screws well.
Finishing: Polishes satisfactorily after filling.
Veneering: Can be sliced to produced decorative veneers.
Uses: Has a decorative appearance and is of interest for turned work and as a veneer for inlays in high grade furniture. Suitable for exterior and interior joinery, turnery and tool handles. A very useful timber with many applications.