Angelim
Colour
Durability
Density in kg/m3
The TreeH. excelsum appears to be the principal species, although some dozen species occur in the areas mentioned. They are all fairly large trees, on occasion very large, sometimes up to 45m tall and 3m in diameter.
The TimberThe sapwood is whitish or greyish in colour, gradually merging into the heartwood that is pale brown when fresh, darkening on exposure to accentuate the differences between the darker fibre layers and the lighter parenchyma bands. The wood has a small figure of the partridge-wing type. The wood is hard, tough, strong and heavy.Occasional deposits of hard gum.
DryingReported to dry at a moderate to fast rate with little degrade providing a careful drying schedule is followed.
StrengthComparable to beech in bending but with an MOE slightly lower than greenheart.
Working QualitiesEasy - medium. Saws and works fairly well although rather difficult to plane due to alternating bands of hard and soft tissue. Nails and screws well.
Latin NameHymenolobium spp
Also known asAngelim pedra (Brazil), Sapupira amarella (Brazil), Angelim amarello (Brazil)
Wood TypeHardwood
TreatabilityModerately easy
MoistureReported to be stable in service
TextureCoarse
OriginBrazil, Venezuela, Guianas
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.
