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Balsamo (Myroxylon balsamu)
Overview
Balsamo tree is recognized for its reddish-brown heartwood, which is highly resistant to decay and insects, making it a desirable wood for various applications. Additionally, it yields a fragrant resin, often called Balsam of Tolu, used in perfumes, flavorings, and traditional medicine.
The tree is large and slow growing, reaching 45 metres (148 ft) in height. Crown is round with dense foliage and the bark is yellowish with a pungent odor. Leaves alternate, petiolate, 8–20 centimetres (3–8 in) including the petioles, the petioles 1–4 centimetres (1⁄2–1+1⁄2 in) long, and the rachis 5–15 centimetres (2–6 in) long. The rachis and petioles are pubescent and terete. Leaflets are acute to acuminate at the apex, obtuse at the base, glabrous, with an entire margin and glandular oil dots.
Plants bloom 5 years from seeds during the months of February to June. Flowers are white, pubescent and has around 10 stamens. The fruit is a flat winged pod, narrowly obovate 8 centimetres (3+1⁄4 in) long 1–2 centimetres (3⁄8–3⁄4 in) wide, yellow to brown when dried and drop around November to January.
| Species | Balsamo (* Myroxylon balsamum ) |
| Origin | South America |
| Grade | AIC |
| Thickness | 18mm to 300mm |
| Width | 40mm to 300mm |
| Length | 4m to 8m |
| Drying | KD, AD |
| Prominent Uses |  |
Description & Distribution
Myroxylon balsamum, commonly known as Balsam or Balsam of Peru, is a tropical tree that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It typically grows up to 15-20 meters tall, featuring a straight trunk with smooth, grayish bark that becomes more fissured with age. The tree has pinnate leaves composed of several leaflets, and it produces attractive, fragrant clusters of white to pale pink flowers. The fruit is a flat pod containing numerous small seeds. Native to Central America, particularly regions in Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua, Myroxylon balsamum thrives in tropical lowland forests and sometimes in savannahs. It is highly valued for its aromatic resin, which is obtained from the trunk and used in perfumery, medicine, and traditional remedies.
Physical Characteristics
Crushing Strength: 50~60 MPa
Specific Gravity (at 12% MC): 0.60~0.75 g/cm3
Stability : Moderate to good
Static Bending Strength: 80~100 MPa
Durability and resistance
Dry Wood Borers: Susceptible
Fungi: Moderately resistant
Termites: Moderately susceptible
Treatability: Moderate
Typical Applications
● Flooring
● Furniture
● Interior trim
● Turnery
● Railroad crossties
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