They have evergreen leaves, but most of the old leaves are shed as the 
new leaves appear. Cn the underside of the leaves, in the axils of the 
veins, are little two-lipped pockets (domatia), which are inhabited by 
minute insect parasites (10, 12 ) . 
The Hood 
Color 
The color of the wood varies from yellowish to olive or rich chocolate 
brown. It is said that material can be selected to match any shade 
found in black walnut grown in the United States (12) . It is further 
reported that the yellowish wood comes from young trees or trees grown 
in sheltered places and the "black" form from older, isolated trees (5) . 
Weight 
The specific gravity of the air-dry wood is reported as 0.595 to O.76, 
and the average weight as about k3 to ^7 pounds per cubic foot (5, 12) . 
Mechanical Properties 
Strength tests have been made at the Institute de Tecnologicas, Sao 
Faulo, Brazil, but are reported^ in units not directly comparable to the 
United States standard tests . 
Figure, Grain, Texture, and Luster 
The stock is mostly straight -grained, but curly and wavy grain may be 
found. Some trees in exposed locations may have markedly contorted or 
gnarled grain (5). The wood may be plain in color or markedly variegated 
and has rather fine texture and a medium luster (12) . 
Odor 
The freshly cut wood has a spicy, cinnamon-like, resinous taste and scent, 
which are generally lacking in dried material. 
Durability 
The wood is considered as durable locally. Railway ties are reported to 
have lasted 10 to 20 years in service in Brazil. 
3 
-Institute de Tecnologicas, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Bulletin No. 31 ♦ 19^5. 
Report No. R1924 -2- 
