Scientific Name
Calodendrum capense
Trade Name
Cape chestnut
Family Name
Rutaceae
Synonyms
Calodendrum capensis
Common Names
Cape chestnut, Kastaiingboom, Kastanjehout, Mgorusi, Moehakalela, Mujai, Mulalachi, Muroroa, Ol-larashi, Ombaba, Umbaba, Wild chestnut, Wildekastaiing, Yangu
Regions of Distribution
Africa, Oceania and S.E. Asia
Countries of Distribution [VIEW MAP]
Australia, Kenya, South Africa, Zimbabwe
Common Uses
Agricultural implements, Boat building (general), Boxes and crates, Broom handles, Brush backs & handles, Cabinetmaking, Flooring, Furniture, Handles: general, Joinery, Light construction, Millwork, Musical instruments, Paneling, Plywood, Pulp/Paper products, Railroad ties, Sporting Goods, Tool handles, Turnery, Vehicle parts, Veneer: decorative
Heartwood Color
| Yellow | ||||||||||||
| White | ||||||||||||
| Orange | ||||||||||||
| Black | ||||||||||||
| Green/grey | ||||||||||||
| Red | ||||||||||||
| Brown | ||||||||||||
| Yellow to golden-yellow to orange | ||||||||||||
| Pale brown | ||||||||||||
| White to cream | ||||||||||||
| Greenish to greyish | ||||||||||||
| Brown |
Sapwood Color
| Green/Grey | ||||||||||||
| Yellow | ||||||||||||
| White | ||||||||||||
| White to yellow | ||||||||||||
| Same as heartwood |
Grain
| Straight | ||||||||||||
| Figure | ||||||||||||
| Even | ||||||||||||
| Growth rings (figure) | ||||||||||||
| Distinct (figure) |
| Straight | ||||||||||||
| Distinct figure | ||||||||||||
| Clear growth rings (figure) |
Texture
| Fine | ||||||||||||
| Fine to medium | ||||||||||||
| Medium | ||||||||||||
| Fine |
Luster
| Medium |
Natural Durability
| Perishable | ||||||||||||
| Non-durable | ||||||||||||
| Non durable | ||||||||||||
| Susceptible to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles | ||||||||||||
| Susceptible to attack from termites (Isoptera) | ||||||||||||
| Perishable |
Kiln Schedules
| UK=C US=T3C2/T3C1 Fr=3 |
Drying Defects
| No twisting or warping | ||||||||||||
| No end splitting |
Ease of Drying
| Easy |
Tree Identification
| Bole/stem form is not buttressed | ||||||||||||
| Bole/stem form is buttressed |
Tree Size
| Tree height is 0-10 m | ||||||||||||
| Tree height is 10-20 m |
Boring
| Easy |
Cutting Resistance
| Cutting Resistance with dry wood is easy |
Gluing
| Easy to glue |
Mortising
| Finishes well |
Nailing
| Easy to nail |
Planing
| Planes well, to a good finish | ||||||||||||
| Easy to plane |
Resistance to Impregnation
| Heartwood is moderately resistant |
Response to Hand Tools
| Easy to Work | ||||||||||||
| Easy to machine |
Sanding
| Good sanding finish |
Turning
| Easy to turn | ||||||||||||
| Good results |
Steam Bending
| Very good |
Polishing
| Satisfactory results |
Varnishing
| Good results |
Strength Properties
| Density (dry weight) = 38-45 lbs/cu. ft. | ||||||||||||
| Density (dry weight) = 46-52 lbs/cu. ft. | ||||||||||||
| Max. crushing strength = medium | ||||||||||||
| Bending strength (MOR) = medium | ||||||||||||
| Shrinkage, Radial = small | ||||||||||||
| Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = medium | ||||||||||||
| Shrinkage, Tangential = small | ||||||||||||
| Shrinkage, Tangential = moderate | ||||||||||||
| Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = low | ||||||||||||
| Hardness (side grain) = medium | ||||||||||||
| Shrinkage, Radial = moderate | ||||||||||||
| Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = medium |
Numerical Data
| Item | Green | Dry | English |
| Bending Strength | 9310 | 14566 | psi |
| Density | 42 | lbs/ft3 | |
| Hardness | 1658 | lbs | |
| Maximum Crushing Strength | 3916 | 6397 | psi |
| Shearing Strength | 2205 | psi | |
| Stiffness | 1460 | 1686 | 1000 psi |
| Weight | 41 | 33 | lbs/ft3 |
| Radial Shrinkage | 3 | % | |
| Tangential Shrinkage | 7 | % | |
| Item | Green | Dry | Metric |
| Bending Strength | 654 | 1024 | kg/cm2 |
| Density | 673 | kg/m3 | |
| Hardness | 752 | kg | |
| Maximum Crushing Strength | 275 | 449 | kg/cm2 |
| Shearing Strength | 155 | kg/cm2 | |
| Stiffness | 102 | 118 | 1000 kg/cm2 |
| Weight | 657 | 528 | kg/m3 |
| Radial Shrinkage | 3 | % |
References
Banks, C.H., Schoeman, J.P., Otto, K.P.,1977,The Mechanical Properties of Timbers with particular reference to South,Africa,South African Forestry Research Institute Bulletin,(Ed.,Schoeman, J.P. 1973 & Otto K.P. 1976,No.48
Banks, C.H.,1954,The Mechanical Properties of Timbers with Particular Reference to those,grown in the Union of South Africa,Journal of the South African Forestry Association,No. 24 pp.44-65,[South,African Forestry Journal]
Banks, C.H.,1970,The Durability of South African Wood and Wood Base Building Materials,South African Forestry Journal,No.75
Bois et Forets des Tropiques,1979,Aiele,Bois et Forets des Tropiques,187,pp65-78
Bolza, E., Keating, W.G.,1972,African Timbers – the Properties, Uses and Characteristics of 700 Species,C.S.I.R.O. Div. of Building Research
France – C.T.F.T./C.T.B.,1982,Guide pour le Choix des Essences Deroulables-pour la fabrication du,contreplaque,C.T.F.T./C.T.B. France
Goldsmith, B., Carter, D.T.,1981,The Indigenous Timbers of Zimbabwe,Forestry Commission, Zimbabwe Research Bulletin No.9
Pardy, A.A.,1956,Notes on Indigenous Trees and Shrubs of S. Rhodesia,Ministry of Agriculture and Lands S. Rhodesia Bulletin,No.1891
Scott, M.H.,1935,Weights of South African Growth Timbers,South African Department of Agriculture and Forestry Bulletin,No.145,Forest Products Institute, Forestry Series No.1
Scott, M.H.,1948,Timber Seasoning in South Africa,South African Forestry Department South Africa Bulletin No.32
Scott, M.H.,1953,Utilisation Notes on South African Timbers,South African Forestry Department Bulletin No.36
Sim, T.R.,1921,Native Trees of South Africa,Union of South Africa Department of Mines and Industries Memoir No.3
Streets, R.J.,1962,Exotic Forest Trees in the British Commonwealth,Clarendon Press Oxford
Takahashi, A.,1978,Compilation of Data on the Mechanical Properties of Foreign Woods (Part,III) Africa,Shimane University, Japan, Research Report on Foreign Wood No. 7
Wimbush, S.H.,1950,Catalogue of Kenya Timbers,Govt. Printer Nairobi Kenya