Paduk is a tree with a luxurious crown that prefers a hot climate. It is one of the most spectacular shady trees in the rainforests. The name "paduk" combines a number of species of timber of the genus pterocarpus, which means "juicy wing" or "winged fruit". So unusually called seeds with thin lionfish or foliage of tropical evergreen trees. Paduk belongs to the legume family. All trees come from Asia or West Africa. About seventy different species of paduca are known.
Description
The paduk tree, the photo of which is presented in the article, reaches a height of up to forty meters, and in diameter - up to one or more meters. The thoroughbred tree has a wide and sprawling crown with branches down. Often the lower shoots sink to the ground. Shiny leaves on thin cuttings are transverse. On the one hand they are green, and on the other they are bright. The gray-green or brown shade of the bark is quite thin. If it is cut, then juice will be released, which includes latex. Round-shaped seeds with wings. The paduk is considered evergreen, but with a sharp change in climatic conditions, the tree discards foliage.
Characteristics of the species of wood paduk
About seventy varieties of paduk are known, which have a diverse color palette - from creamy to deep brown or red. Paduka has an external resemblance to a more expensive type of sapwood - a rosewood, in contrast to which, the paduka has lower decorative qualities, and it is less resistant to damage. Fresh timber has a cedar flavor. Over time, its surface becomes darker, a brown or burgundy shade appears. The wood of the paduk tree is heavy, solid.
The fibers are located directly and slightly randomly, have a medium-sized texture. The slices produce a beautiful and unusual pattern. Wood belongs to the coloring species and is suitable for polishing, is stable after drying and does not change shape. Dry it for several weeks at a temperature of 45 to 60 degrees. Paduk is easily processed both by machine and by hand. Absorbs priming solutions perfectly. However, when treated with liquids containing alcohol, the color pigments of the wood corrode. Water can cause smudges. Paduk is compared with birch and oak in terms of stiffness. Hardness - 3.9 (according to Brinell), density - 650-750 kg / cu. meter, depends on the type of wood, growth conditions and origin, as well as other properties of wood paduk.
Advantages and disadvantages
Under the influence of sunlight, the color of the wood changes, so it is better to use it for interior work. In rooms where there are products from this tree, it is advisable to protect them from very bright artificial lighting. In operation, wood is resistant to various microorganisms and molds, does not rot. However, termites can destroy it.
Therefore, impregnation and coating with special means against insect pests is of great importance when processing wood. Otherwise, wood has a fairly high resistance, for example, when in contact with the ground it costs up to thirty years.
Application
Sliced veneer and wood have found application in the construction, furniture, turning industry, as well as in shipbuilding. Paduk due to fairly resistant wood is used for the manufacture of:
- equipment used in agriculture;
- carved products;
- knife handles;
- musical instruments;
- parquet board;
- decorative items;
- finishing panels;
- billiard cues.
To design the wagons, low quality material is used. When used in places with constant humidity, only mature wood is suitable. The market mainly contains African paduk, which, due to the unusual color of wood, is most popular among cabinet makers. In addition, Andaman and Burmese paduks are used.
