Toppers
What is Tamarind?
Tamarind, commercially known as Dalium guianense, is a highly durable hardwood sourced from Latin America. The wood is known for its orange-red to brick-red color and is suitable for various indoor and outdoor applications. It is imported in top quality (FAS - First and Second), meaning it is virtually free from sapwood, heartwood, and other defects.
Origin and Botanical Information
Tamarind primarily comes from the tropical rainforests of South America, particularly from Brazil, Guyana, Peru, Ecuador, and Venezuela. The tree belongs to the Fabaceae family (or Leguminosae), also known as the legume family.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Dialium guianense |
| Family | Fabaceae (Leguminosae) |
| Origin | Brazil, Guyana, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela |
| Local names | Jutaí, Jatobá, Ironwood (Eng.), Paleta, Tamarindo montaña |
Tree Description
The Tamarind tree is an impressive sight in the tropical rainforest. It is an evergreen tree that stands out due to its size and distinctive features:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Height | 15-30 meters, sometimes up to 40 meters |
| Clear trunk | Up to 18 meters |
| Diameter | Up to 180 cm |
| Root flare | Yes, prominently present |
| Bark | Smooth to slightly scaly, grayish to reddish-brown |
| Leaves | Compound, odd-pinnate, 5-7 leaflets per leaf |
| Fruits | Pod, 1.5-2 cm long, dark brown to black when ripe |
The Tamarind tree plays an important role in the rainforest ecosystem. The fruits are edible and serve as a food source for various animal species, including monkeys and birds. The tree typically flowers in the dry season, and the fruits ripen in the wet season, contributing to biodiversity and seasonal food availability in the forest.
Color and Grain
The wood of the Tamarind tree has a striking and attractive appearance:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Heartwood color | Orange-red to brick-red |
| Sapwood color | Yellow-brown, clearly distinguishable from heartwood |
| Grain | Sometimes fine dark lines, often with a fine, straight grain |
| Gloss | Medium to high, giving the wood a warm appearance |
| Odor | Slightly aromatic when freshly cut |
The unique color and grain of Tamarind wood make it particularly sought after for decorative applications, especially in high-quality furniture and interior finishing.
Sustainability and Resistance
Tamarind is known for its exceptional durability and resistance to various attacks:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Sustainability class (heartwood) | I (very durable) |
| Resistance to fungi | Excellent |
| Resistance to termites | High |
| Resistance to marine borers | Good |
The high natural durability of Tamarind makes it extremely suitable for outdoor applications and use in humid environments, without the need for additional treatments.
Drying and Processing
Processing Tamarind wood requires care and expertise:
| Process | Description |
|---|---|
| Drying | Slow drying to prevent shrinkage and cracking. Air drying typically takes 2-3 months. |
| Processing | Difficult due to high density. Requires powerful tools and sharp cutting edges. |
| Sawing | Moderate to high resistance, which can lead to rapid wear of saw blades. |
| Sanding | Good, but can be time-consuming due to density. |
| Finishing | Absorbs finishes well, but may require pre-treatment due to natural oils. |
| Fastening | Use stainless steel fasteners to prevent corrosion. Pre-drilling recommended. |
Despite the challenges in processing, the end result is a beautiful and durable product that justifies the extra effort.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Average density | 960 kg/m³ (at 12% moisture content) |
| Bending strength | 110 N/mm² |
| Modulus of elasticity | 19,500 N/mm² |
| Compressive strength (parallel to the grain) | 75 N/mm² |
| Hardness (Janka) | 12,800 N |
| Tangential shrinkage (green to 12% MC) | 7.8% |
| Radial shrinkage (green to 12% MC) | 4.9% |
Applications
Thanks to its excellent properties, Tamarind is suitable for a wide range of applications:
- Heavy constructions and structures
- Hydraulic works and marine constructions
- Outdoor carpentry such as stairs and terraces
- Bridges and walkways
- Piles and docks
- High-quality parquet and flooring
- Facade cladding
- Crossbeams for railways or landscaping
- Luxury furniture and interior finishing
- Tool handles and sports equipment
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
While Tamarind is a valuable hardwood, it is important to consider the sustainability of its harvest:
- The species is not threatened, but overexploitation in some areas is a concern.
- Choose FSC-certified Tamarind wood whenever possible to support sustainable forest management.
- The long lifespan and natural durability of the wood contribute to a lower environmental impact in the long term.
- Local communities in South America often rely on the Tamarind tree for both wood and food (fruits), highlighting the importance of sustainable management.
Conclusion
Tamarind is an extremely durable and versatile hardwood, ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications. Thanks to its high density, beautiful color variations, and excellent mechanical properties, it is an outstanding choice for heavy constructions, luxury parquet flooring, and high-quality outdoor carpentry. The challenges in processing are more than compensated by the long lifespan and aesthetic value of the end product. When used responsibly, Tamarind is a sustainable choice that will last for generations.