Workabilit y 
The wood is moderately hard and heavy and is considered easy to dry, to work, 
and to glue* It takes a and has good dimensional stability w 
manufactured. 
A fine dust may arise during tl c saving of imbuia that is irritating to some 
workmen and may cause temporary derimtitis (8, 12, lU ) . 
Uses 
Imbuia is used in both solid and veneer form. In Brazil, it is used for 
high-grade flooring, furniture, interior trim, doors, pianos, radio cabinets, 
and fixtures. P hoebe trees grow to sizes that permit the production of 
thick plank for wood carving and material for table trusses and chair legs 
(12). Imbuia has been recommended for gun stoclis (6). 
As veneer, imbuia is rated highly in Europe for fine furniture and interior 
work. It is marketed as: 1. Light, hell, or clr.ra — a yellowish brown 
in various toner, wit:: BhadingS and stripes: 2. Dark, dunkel, or escura -- 
a brown background with reddish-black markings; 3. Extra or optima -- the 
finest qualify in brown and red-brown tones with wave and cloud effects (k) . 
Cne species of Phoe be yields a violet-colored dye from saw-dust and bark. 
This dye is specially prized for use on fine leather. 
•d.y 
The wood has been imparted into the United Ctaten in relatively small 
amounts, as well as into ^arope. Local demands for it in Brazil are high, 
restricting export. 
Minute Stru : ture 
Growth ring s. — Growth rings are usually distinct owing to differences in 
density* 
Po res .--The pores are small, barely visible, numerous, and uniformly dis- 
tributed. 
Tyloses . — Tyloses are lacking • 
Vessel ? .--Vessels have simple perforations. 
Kays . — The rays are very fine, mostly biseriate ( 10 ) . 
Fibe rs , — The fibers are septate. 
Oil c ells, — Oil cells occur in the rays, as well as in the parenchyma 
strands (9, 10) . 
Report No. 31924 -3- 
