ANGELIQUE 
Dicorynia guianensis Amsh . 
Family: Leguminosae-Caesalpiniaceae 
By 
B. FRANCIS KUKACHKA, Forest Products Technologist 
Forest Products Laboratory, ■= Forest Service 
U. S. Department of Agriculture 
Introduction 
Angleique has for many years been incorrectly identified with the botanical 
name Dicorynia paraensis Benth. It differs from this species and from other 
described species of Dicorynia in the structure of the flowers and its re- 
stricted range of growth. Presently known as Dicorynia guianensis , angelique 
occurs only in French Guiana and Surinam. Dicorynia paraensis occurs along 
the Rio Negro and its tributaries in Brazil's Amazonas Territory. Aside from 
angelique, or basra locus as it is also known, the characteristics and proper- 
ties of the various Dicorynia species are practically unknown at this time. 
Angelique is well known in the producing areas for its strength and inherent 
natural durability, but its highly desirable characteristics have only recent- 
ly come to the attention of the United States trade. Small quantities are 
currently entering the United States, but it is expected that imports will 
gradually increase as the wood becomes better known. 
Distribution and Habitat 
Commercial stands of angelique occur in Surinam and French Guiana. In Surinam 
the main stands are found between the Coppename and Marewijne Rivers on higher 
ground not subjected to flooding. In French Guiana it is most common In the 
western part of the country in the valleys of the Sinnamary, Mana, and Maroni 
Rivers. 
The Tree 
The average height of the trees from the buttress to the first branches is 
about 95 feet, and the average diameter is about 2k inches. It is considered 
1 
"Maintained at Madison, Wis., in cooperation with the University of Wisconsin, 
Rept. No. 1787 (Revised) -1- 
