Common Name: Iteballi
Scientific Name: Vochysia spp.
Wood Description: Iteballi, a Vochysia spp., typically has a heartwood that is pale pinkish-brown, which darkens to a golden brown with distinctive yellow stripes upon exposure. The sapwood is pale yellow or grey and is not clearly distinct from the heartwood. The wood generally has a rather coarse texture, and its grain is usually straight to slightly interlocked.
Physical Properties: The density of Iteballi shows considerable variation across different reports, reflecting the diversity within the Vochysia genus. Air-dry density (at 12% moisture content) is reported as 580 kg/m³ and 560 kg/m³. Green density is cited as 650-900 kg/m³. Basic specific gravity values range from an average of 0.46 to 0.70, with some species exhibiting densities between 0.57 to 0.66 g/cm³.This wide range in reported density and specific gravity suggests that the properties of “Iteballi” can differ significantly depending on the specific Vochysia species or even the growth conditions, making precise identification important for consistent performance.
Mechanical Properties: The mechanical properties of Iteballi also show notable variation. Some reports describe it as low in bending strength, stiffness, crushing strength, and shock resistance. However, other data indicates a bending strength (Modulus of Rupture, MOR) of 78 N/mm² at 12% MC. The modulus of elasticity (MOE) is 10,070 N/mm² at 12% MC. Crushing strength is 40 N/mm² at 12% MC. The conflicting data, with some sources suggesting low strength and others providing specific (albeit moderate) values, underscores the challenges of generalizing properties for a genus. This variation means that for applications requiring specific mechanical performance, relying on generalized data for Vochysia spp. is highly unreliable.
Uses: Iteballi is commonly used for carpentry and furniture. Its applications also extend to interior joinery, moulding, boxes and crates, light carpentry, particleboards, cigar boxes, and coffins. Some species within the genus are valued for construction and firewood in rural communities and can have high commercial value for their density, workability, and rot resistance.