Porosity: diffuse porous
Arrangement: solitary and radial multiples
Vessels: medium to large, few to moderately numerous; reddish brown deposits occasionally present
Parenchyma: vasicentric, lozenge, confluent, and banded (marginal)
Rays: medium to wide; normal to fairly close spacing
Lookalikes/Substitutes: Streaked pieces of curupay bear a remarkable resemblance to goncalo alves (Astronium graveolens)—and both woods are used for hardwood flooring. Curupay tends to have wider, more conspicuous rays, as well as more extensive parenchyma (lozenge, confluent, and marginal).
Notes: There are two primary species yielding curupay, Anadenanthera colubrina and A. peregrina. Although they are mostly indistinguishable on the basis of anatomy, a limited study found that A. colubrina heartwood was UV fluorescent, while A. peregrina was not.
Way back when I grow up in the 60s, there was one tree from Paraguay and Argentina called “Petiribi also Loro” they where using it for furniture and also flooring, can anybody recall that, or perhaps know the real name. Thanks
Curupay (or Curupau, as we call it) is among my personal favourite timbers. It is great choice for wooden flooring for those who are after exotic timber floor. The dark streaks gives an unique character of the wood. It is also among the hardest and most durable wooden flooring options.
I have hundreds of pictures of turned bowls on my wed site. You’re welcome to use any of them as long as I receive credit for photos used and photos are link to my web site https://www.nelsonwood.com.
Thanks
Bryan