Eschweilera panamensis (Eschweilera panamensis)
Description
Eschweilera panamensis is a tree with an elongate crown; it can grow up to 25 metres tall. The straight bole can be 40cm in diameter, The tree is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a source of fibre and wood. Dense primary forest, growing mainly on the ridges of hills, at elevations up to 300 metres, The fibrous bark is probably used locally as a source of cordage The heartwood is yellowish; the thick layer of sapwood nearly white, tinged with yellow. The wood is straight and very close-grained; very hard; heavy; very tough; and strong. It takes a good polish. We do not have any more specific information for this species, but the general description for the wood of this genus is as follows:- The heartwood of most species is light brown, grayish-brown, reddish-brown, or brownish-buff, sometimes with black streaks; it is usually distinct from the yellowish sapwood. The texture is fine and uniform; the grain typically straight; lustre is low; there is no distinctive odour or taste. Depending on the species, silica content may be as high as 2.4%. Most species are highly resistant to attack by both brown-rot and white-rot fungi. Also most of the species have gained wide recognition for their high degree of resistance to marine-borer attack. Resistance to dry-wood termite attack is variable, depending on species. The wood is rated as fairly difficult to air season, drying rates are slow to moderate. Warp and checking are rated as slight to moderate, depending on species. Most of the species are difficult to work because of the high density and high silica content (excepting E. tenax); specially tipped cutters are suggested. They can be used for purposes such as marine and other heavy construction, industrial flooring, pulpmill equipment, railroad crossties, piling, and turnery.
Taxonomic tree
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Domain: Eukarya
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Kingdom: Plantae
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Phylum:
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Class: Magnoliopsida
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Order: Ericales
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Family: Lecythidaceae
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Genus: Eschweilera
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