Common Name: Simarupa
Scientific Name: Quassia simarouba
Wood Description: Simarupa, from Quassia simarouba, is characterized by a heartwood that is whitish, yellowish, or light brown, and is not differentiated from the whitish or straw-colored sapwood. It may have occasional oily streaks. The wood has a medium, uniform, and lustrous texture, with a grain that is usually straight. It has a high luster and is without a distinctive taste or odor when dry, though it may have a bitter quinine taste.
Physical Properties: Simarupa is a light timber. Its basic specific gravity (oven-dry weight/green volume) ranges from 0.30 to 0.40, with an air-dry density reported as 27 pcf (approximately 433 kg/m³) or 500 kg/m³ (12% MC). Its density is lower than many other rainforest species. The Janka side hardness is 440 lb at 12% MC and 390 lb for green material.66 The Forest Product Laboratory toughness averages 66 in.-lb. Shrinkage from green to oven-dry is radial 2.3-2.8% and tangential 4.2-6.3%, with volumetric shrinkage of 7.3-8.0%. The wood air-seasons rapidly with minor degrade, such as very slight checking and warp. Logs and lumber are very susceptible to sap-stain fungi, requiring rapid conversion and chemical control.
Mechanical Properties: Simarupa’s mechanical properties are relatively low compared to many hardwoods. Its bending strength (Modulus of Rupture, MOR) is 8,930 psi at 12% MC. The modulus of elasticity (MOE) is 1,240 (1000 psi) at 12% MC. Crushing strength is 4,840 psi at 12% MC, and 34 N/mm². These properties indicate a soft, light timber suitable for less demanding structural applications.
Uses: Simarupa is a versatile utility timber. It is used for interior construction, furniture, paper pulp, and plywood. Other applications include boxes and crates, pattern making, millwork, particleboard, fiberwood, and matches. It is also used for carpentry, cabinet-making, and musical instruments