Common Name: Kabukalli
Scientific Name: Goupia glabra
Wood Description: Kabukalli, also known locally as Stinkwood, is derived from Goupia glabra, a large, semi-deciduous canopy tree native to South America. The heartwood is typically light reddish-brown, presenting a plain appearance that darkens upon exposure. It can also be yellow-brown, sometimes with internal stresses, or a light to medium brown with a rich grain pattern. The sapwood is a distinct, thick brownish or pinkish color, sharply demarcated from the heartwood. The wood has a medium to coarse texture, with some reports noting a medium texture. The grain is commonly interlocked, though it can also be straight. Kabukalli possesses a medium to rather high luster. Freshly cut timber has an unpleasant scent, which typically dissipates upon drying, leading to its alternative name “Stinkwood”.
Physical Properties: Kabukalli is a hard and moderately heavy wood. Its basic specific gravity (oven-dry weight/green volume) is 0.72, with an air-dry density of 54 pcf (approximately 865 kg/m³). Other reports indicate an air-dry density of 830 kg/m³ (52 lbs/ft³) and 0.84 g/cm³ (840 kg/m³) at 12% MC. The wood’s dimensional stability is subject to conflicting reports: some sources describe it as having medium or good dimensional stability, being less prone to warping, twisting, or shrinking, while another rates it as “poorly stable”. This discrepancy suggests variability in the timber or different assessment criteria. Shrinkage from green to oven-dry is radial 4.5%, tangential 8.0%, and volumetric 12.6%.
Mechanical Properties: Kabukalli is a hard, strong, and tough wood, possessing satisfactory mechanical strength.42 It is considered stronger than European oak.42 Its crushing strength is 62 MPa 43, and its static bending strength is 110 MPa.43 These properties contribute to its suitability for heavy construction.
Uses: Kabukalli is highly favored as a general-purpose timber, particularly in the Guianas. It is considered an excellent wood for heavy building construction, industrial flooring, and furniture components. Its applications extend to marine construction (in areas not contaminated with teredo), land communication materials, agricultural and industrial uses, joinery, and general furniture. It is also suitable for railway sleepers, paving blocks, decorative veneer, paneling, foundations, and framing members. More recently, it has gained popularity for outdoor decking due to its durability and natural resistance.