CENTRAL AMERICAN DANTO: D
Similar in colour, grain and working properties to African Iroko. Should be considered as a Certified alternative species. FSC Certified.

Production: S/E, DIM.

Vatairea lundelli
Family: Leguminosae

Common/vernacular names: Danto, Bitter angelim, Faveira (Brazil),
Amargoso (Honduras), Amargo amargo (Panama), Mora, Bitter wood and several more depending on the country of origin.

Distribution: 'Danto' is distributed from southern Mexico southwards along the Atlantic region of Central America, including Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and Panama and into mainland South America where it is found in Venezuela and Brazil.

The Tree: Reported to attain a height of around 125' (38m) with trunk diameters of 3' to 6' (0.9 to 1.8m). The trunk is reported to be buttressed although long, straight, clear boles up to 70' (21m) may be found.

The Timber: General characteristics: The heartwood is reported to be yellow, becoming orange-brown on exposure and is distinct from the paler whitish/grey to brownish-yellow sapwood band which is up to around 200mm thick. The grain is reported to be straight to very interlocked producing an attractive figure. It is also reported that spiral grain can be present in Danto timber. The texture is listed as being medium to very coarse. Lustre of the wood is variable. It is also reported to have a silica content of 0.2%.

Density/Weight: According to 'The Wood Exchange' on the World Agroforestry's density website it is listed as having a (seasoned) density ranging from 720 to 839 kg/m3. Other information from the Internet suggests a density of 550 to 650 kg/m3 when dried. The publication 'Tropical Timbers of the World' reports that the basic specific gravity (oven-dry weight/green volume) for this species is 0.55 to 0.64 and the air-dry density is listed as 42 to 49 Ibs/ft3.

Drying and Shrinkage: Reported to have a moderate air-drying rate with few or no drying defects. The radial shrinkage from green to oven-dry is reported to be 3.4% and for tangential 7.4%; with a volumetric rate of 8.6%. Movement is reported to be high according to some sources.

Durability: The heartwood is rated as moderately durable to durable (based on graveyard testing). Reported to be resistant to insects and fungi but not to marine borers.

Preservation: The heartwood is reported to be very resistant to impregnation with wood preservatives, whilst the treatability of the sapwood is reported to be good.

Strength: Some testing of this species has been carried out in the USA on the relationship between bending strength and stiffness.

Mechanical Properties
(Ultimate stresses based on testing, not to be used for design)

Working Properties: Reported to be easy to work, although planing can be problematic due to interlocked grain, which can give rise to torn and raised grain. The timber is reported to have a good resistance to splitting.

Note: The fine dust produced from this species is reported to cause allergic reactions in some operatives.

Uses: Danto is reported to be used locally for construction work, bridges, posts and beams, flooring, general carpentry, railway sleepers, and for the manufacture of tool handles. The timber is not recommended for turning. Technical information supplied by TRADA Technology.

Timber Certification: We have established a supply of Danto from Central America which is produced from well managed forests, independently certified in accordance with the rules of the Forest Stewardship Council A.C. All our certified timber is processed through our Chains of Custody which are audited by BM TRADA Certification.

JBT Comments: A very similar timber to African Iroko.

Grade: FAS/Selects and better. Graded to NHLA rules.

Specification: Square edge: 8ft and longer, 6ins and wider. Allowing 5% 4ins/5ins and 10% 6ft/7ft.

Stockholding: 1000cubic feet in kiln dried or stock in kilns available in 1ins, 11/2ins, 2ins, 21/2ins, 3ins and 4ins thickness. Guibourtia ehie