Imbuia is a type of commercial lumber from Brazilian nut trees, also known as Ocotea porosa or Phoebe porosa. The trees grow up to 130 feet tall and have long, narrow leaves and small, yellow flowers. Imbuia is highly prized for its fine finish and natural resistance to decay and termites. Despite being a threatened species, there is commercial demand for imbuia wood products, and conservation efforts aim to protect native localities.
Imbuia typically refers to commercial lumber derived from Brazilian nut trees, but also refers to the trees themselves. Known by one of the binomial names Ocotea porosa or Phoebe porosa, the trees are native to the subtropical areas of southern Brazil. Common names and spelling variations include “imbuia”, “imbuya”, “embuia”, “embuya”, and simply Brazil nut. Although commonly referred to as a nut tree, Ocotea porosa shares no scientific similarity to trees in the nut family and does not produce nuts.
Mature trees reach heights of up to 130 feet (39.6 m) with large trunks up to 6 feet (1.83 m) in diameter. The leaves are long, narrow and slightly pointed, pale to bright green in colour. The flowers are small, yellow and slightly trumpet shaped. The main trunk of Ocotea porosa often forks near ground level, producing a split appearance when mature. Large globular growths on the trunk, known as bursae, are common.
As a highly prized species of Brazil nut, imbuia naturally grows in large groups, known as stands, near the Araucaria forest region of southern Brazil. Other states in Brazil, including Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, host small or limited native stands of imbuia trees. Some forestry professionals suggest that additional native stands may exist in Argentina and Paraguay as well, although the reports are unverified. Considered a threatened species in its native rainforest habitat, this particular tree variety favors elevations between 2,000 feet (609.6 m) and 4,000 feet (1219.2 m).
While native banks are considered threatened or vulnerable, there is substantial commercial demand for the choice timber. Found in a variety of high-end products, from cabinetry to fine art sculptures to weapon stocks, imbuia is often milled for veneers, plank flooring, joinery, and other decorative woodwork. When milled, the lumber finish is considered fine, with a medium to high gloss. Colors range from yellow-olive to dark chocolate brown, with a striking variegated grain.
Heartwood imbuia lumber has a natural resistance to certain fungi that accelerate wood decay. Likewise, imbuia lumber is naturally resistant to certain burrowers and termites. Panels and other wood products made with imbuia typically require little or no chemical treatment, paint, or other preservatives. Freshly ground lumber has a strong, yet attractive spicy aroma, although the scent fades as the drying process continues.
Demand for imbuia wood products, despite the tree’s endangered status, has helped encourage its popularity both as a commercial product for nurseries and as a horticultural tree for home settings. Although native to rainforests, imbuia is suited to subtropical climates and other moisture-rich habitats. Conservation efforts in Brazil seek to protect some native localities in an effort to curb timber exploitation and give slow-growing native forests a chance to recover.
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