the Colombian forests, up to 125 to 175 feet in height and 2 to 5j rarely up 
to 8j feet in diameter, with cylindrical clear lengths of 50 to 80 feet above 
the trees' large buttresses (1, 1_ } 10), 
The bark is very fibrous and is used by Colombian natives for rough cordage 
(9). 
The Wood 
Color 
The thick sap.vood is oatmeal color and not very sharply defined. It shades 
into yellowish- or pinkish-brown* The heartwood is reddish- or purplish- 
brown j sometimes with dark streaks. The color tends to fade on exposure (1, 
h h £)• 
Grain, Texture, and Figure 
The grain may be straight or interlocked. The texture is medium (3_ 3 9)» 
Albarco may be attractively figured (9 s 10). 
Luster 
Albarco may show a medium to high luster (3, 7). It polishes well (1). 
Odor and Taste 
Albarco has no distinct odor or taste (3). 
Weight 
The recorded weight of albarco wood is 31 to U3 pounds per cubic foot; the 
recorded specific gravity is 0.50 to 0,70 (air-dry) (9). 
Mechanical Properties 
Locally, albarco is rated as strong, tough, and moderately hard and heavy 
(1). 
In some U. S. Navy tests (11), albarco plywood gave higher values in mechani- 
cal properties than mahogany and had lower moisture absorption. 
Rept. No. R1921 -2- 
