Pitanga — Identification, Uses and Properties
Eugenia uniflora Myrtaceae
Mainly used for small, high-stress local items due to the small diameter of the trunks.
HARDWOOD SOUTH AMERICA TOOL HANDLES
Taxonomy & Nomenclature
Botanical Name(s)
Eugenia uniflora
Family
Myrtaceae
Wood type
Hardwood
Local Names
Pitangueira (Brazil), Surinam cherry (English-speaking), Brazilian cherry (English-speaking), Cayenne cherry (English-speaking), Ñangapirí (Spanish-speaking), Pitanga (Uruguay/Argentina)
Origin Region
South America
Main End Uses
Tool handles · Small items · Turnery · Agricultural implements · Wooden spoons · Yokes · Fuelwood
Wood Identification Guide
Reference Colour
Light yellowish to reddish-brown
Texture
Fine and uniform
Grain
Straight to slightly interlocked
Sapwood
Whitish to pale yellowish-brown; not always clearly differentiated from heartwood
Interlocked Grain
Sometimes present
Notes
Small-dimension wood, described as very hard, compact, and heavy. It has a fine texture similar to boxwood or other high-density Myrtaceae. Often used in its natural form for local craft due to its small size.
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Log Description
Tree height
20 – 39 ft
Tree height
6 – 12 m
Diameter
30-50 cm
Buoyancy
Sinks
Log Conservation
Relatively pest resistant
Diameter
11.8-19.7 in
Physical & Mechanical Properties
Density
850 g/cm³ @ 12% MC
Density
53.1 lb/ft³
Durability & Treatment
Resistance to Decay
Very durableDry Wood Borers
ResistantTermites
ResistantUse Class
Class 1Drying Schedule & Risks
Drying Rate
Slow
Risk Distortion
Moderate
Risk Checking
High risk of cracking if not seasoned properly
Sawing & Machining
Blunting Effect
Moderate to high due to density
Machining Tools
Hard-metal tools recommended
Suitability Peeling
Not suitable
Suitability Slicing
Not suitable
Notes
Small dimensions limit use to turnery and small items. It polishes very well.Assembling & Finishing
Nailing Screwing
Pre-boring required
CITES & Trade Restrictions
CITES Status
Unlisted
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