Wood type - Rosita Walnut aka Nancitón or Suradan

Belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae, Hyeronima alchorneoides aka Hyeronima laxiflora is a very large and straight hardwood native to areas ranging from Brazil to Mexico. This wood type is very common to Nicaragua, where it is goes by the name, Nanciton.  Its most valuable and common usage is in furniture and home construction.  When freshly cut, Nancitón is purple in color, with the heartwood ranging from light brown to chocolate brown through exposure.  Nanciton grain pattern may be interlocked or straight, somewhat similar to American Black Walnut, but with fewer defects.

Regional Names for Nancitón

Nancitón (Nicaragua), Rosita (Honduras), Pilón (Costa Rica), Urucurana (Brazil), Trompillo (Venezuela), Zapatero (Panama), Mascarey (Colombia), Pantano, Suradanni, Mascare

Workability

When using fasteners with Nancitón, pre-boring is recommended.  It is a highly workable hardwood either by hand or machine due to minimal dulling effect.  Due to the porosity of Nancitón grain, it is recommended to use multiple coats when sealers or finishes are applied.  Glue holds up well in interior conditions.

Drying

Without experience, Suradan can be difficult to dry. However, when dried properly, defects can be reduced, and drying time moderate. Kiln schedules T5-D3 and T3-D2 are recommended for 4/4 and 8/4 stock, respectively.

Durability

Suradan’s durability is rated very high owing to its natural resistance to decay and insect attack in tropical conditions. Treatment is not required, but in exterior uses, a UV protective coating is recommended to preserve the natural color.

Uses

Interior/exterior construction, structural members, furniture, cabinetry, flooring, railway crossties, veneers, marine construction.

Technical Data*

Janka hardness: 1,700 lbs
Density: 769 Kg/m3
Bending strength: 18,200 psi
Modulus of elasticity: 2,270 (1,000 psi)
Tangential shrinkage: 11.7%
Radial shrinkage: 5.4%

* all values given at 12% moisture content