Garapa
Colour
Durability
Density in kg/m3
The TreeIn the Argentine and southern and north-eastern Brazil the trees are usually less than 24m tall and 0.9m in diameter at maturity, but on good sites they occasionally reach a height of 30m and a diameter of 1.2m with a clear bole of 15m to 18m.
The TimberThe sapwood is narrow and whitish in colour while the heart wood is mainly yellowish, varying from yellowish-brown to pinkish-yellow, tending to acquire a reddish or coppery hue after exposure. The wood is lustrous, with a straight to roey grain (occasionally slightly interlocked) and fine, uniform texture. The wood is hard, heavy, tough, and strong.
DryingSlow to dry with only a slight risk of degrade.
StrengthA hard, heavy, tough, and strong timber that is slightly superior to beech in strength.
Working QualitiesEasy to medium - Said to be easy to work, finishing smoothly, although the high silica content causes blunting. Pre-boring is necessary.
Latin NameApuleia leiocarpa
Also known asPau Mulato, Grapia (Brazil and Paraguy), Ferro (Brazil)
Wood TypeHardwood
TreatabilityDifficult
MoistureReported to be moderately stable
TextureMedium to fine
OriginArgentina, Brazil, Peru
Related Case Studies
Sourcing timber
The TDUK Wood Species Database provides practical information on wood species currently or recently available in the UK market.
Before importing any species listed, you must carry out due diligence to ensure compliance with environmental, social and legal standards, including CITES – the international agreement protecting endangered species.
When buying from existing stock, always source through a TDUK member, who will have completed the required due diligence, including CITES checks.
If a species is no longer commercially available, TDUK members can advise on legal, sustainable alternatives that match desired characteristics such as colour, appearance or density.
