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Common Name(s): Algarrobo Blanco Scientific Name: Prosopis alba Distribution: South America Tree Size: 30-40 ft (9-12 m) tall, 2-3 ft (.6-1 m) trunk diameter Average Dried Weight: 49 lbs/ft3 (785 kg/m3) Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): .66, .79 Janka Hardness: 1,700 lbf (7,560 N) Modulus of Rupture: 9,150 lbf/in2 (63.1 MPa) Elastic Modulus: 882,000 lbf/in2 (6.08 GPa) Crushing Strength: 8,510 lbf/in2 (58.7 MPa) Shrinkage: Radial: 2.2%, Tangential: 3.1%, Volumetric: 5.4%, T/R Ratio: 1.4 |
Color/Appearance: Heartwood tends to be a yellowish brown to medium brown, which darkens with age. Sapwood tends to be narrow and is a pale yellow color.
Grain/Texture: Algarrobo Blanco has a medium to coarse texture and a slight natural luster. Grain tends to be straight or wavy.
Endgrain: No data available.
Rot Resistance: Algarrobo Blanco is rated as “excellent” for use in outdoor applications.
Workability: Working properties are largely dictated by the quality of the wood itself. Mesquite that is clear and free from defects is easy to work with hand and machine tools, but irregular grain or knots can be challenging. Glues, turns, and finishes well.
Odor: No characteristic odor.
Allergies/Toxicity: Woods in the Prosopis genus have been reported to cause skin irritation. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.
Pricing/Availability: No data available.
Sustainability: This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices, but is reported by the IUCN as being near threatened. Technically it doesn’t meet the Red List criteria of a vulnerable or endangered species, but is close to qualifying and/or may qualify in the near future.
Common Uses: Flooring, firewood, fence posts, cabinetry, and furniture.
Comments: The common name Algarrobo Blanco may be literally translated from Spanish as “white carob tree.”
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