Hura Possumwood

Material Type:
Hardwood

Also Called:
Sandbox Tree, Dynamite Tree, Monkey Pistol, Jabillo

Durability Notes:
The wood is reported to be very variable in resistance to decay fungi, highly susceptible to blue stain and very susceptible to dry-wood termites. It is easy to treat with preservatives. (Source: Tropical Timbers of the World (Chudnoff, USDA Forest Service, 1984).)

Seasoning:
Moderately difficult to air-dry, with variable and sometimes severe warping; checking is slight. Kiln schedule T6-D2 is suggested for 25 mm (4/4) stock and T3-D1 for 50 mm (8/4). (Source: Tropical Timbers of the World (Chudnoff, USDA Forest Service, 1984).)

Properties:
Basic specific gravity 0.33 to 0.38 and air-dry density 25 to 28 lb per cubic foot (about 400 to 450 kg/m3). Janka side hardness is 440 lbf (1,960 N) for green wood and 550 lbf (2,450 N) at 12% moisture content. Shrinkage from green to oven-dry is 2.7% radial, 4.5% tangential and 7.3% volumetric, and movement in service is rated as medium. The wood usually machines easily, but green material can leave fuzzy surfaces because of tension wood. It finishes well and is easy to glue and nail. (Source: Tropical Timbers of the World (Chudnoff, USDA Forest Service, 1984).)

Typical Uses:
General carpentry, boxes and crates, veneer and plywood, joinery, furniture, fibreboard, particleboard

More Info:
The tree commonly reaches 90 to 130 ft (about 27 to 40 m), with clear boles of 40 to 75 ft (about 12 to 23 m) and bark covered with conical spines. (Source: Tropical Timbers of the World (Chudnoff, USDA Forest Service, 1984).)

Possible Health Risks:
Take care with the sap of the living tree. The BioNET-EAFRINET factsheet on Hura crepitans states that "the sap causes temporary blindness" and that tree fellers cover their eyes, and lists the species among the commoner causes of plant contact dermatitis in the Dominican Republic. Wear eye protection when felling or working the living tree.

Sustainability:
Hura crepitans is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List (category read via GBIF).

Interesting Facts:
The fruit opens with an explosive sound, which gives the tree the name 'dynamite tree', and the seeds can be thrown up to 14 metres. (Source: BioNET-EAFRINET factsheet on Hura crepitans.)

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