Similar in colour, grain and working properties to African Iroko. Should be considered as a FSC Certified.

Vatairea lundelli
Family: Leguminosae

Common/vernacular names: Danto, Bitter angelim, Faveira (Brazil), Amargoso (Honduras), Amargo amargo (Panama), Mora, Bitter wood and several more depending on the country of origin.

Distribution: 'Danto' is distributed from southern Mexico southwards along the Atlantic region of Central America, including Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and Panama and into mainland South America where it is found in Venezuela and Brazil.

General Characteristics: The heartwood is yellow, becoming orange-brown on exposure and is distinct from the paler whitish/grey to brownish-yellow sapwood band which is up to around 200mm thick. It is also reported that spiral grain can be present in Danto timber. The texture is medium to very coarse. Lustre of the wood is variable.

Durability: The heartwood is rated as moderately durable to durable (based on graveyard testing). Reported to be resistant to insects and fungi but not to marine borers.

Preservation: The heartwood is reported to be very resistant to impregnation with wood preservatives, whilst the treatability of the sapwood is reported to be good.

Strength: Some testing of this species has been carried out in the USA on the relationship between bending strength and stiffness.