Common Name(s): Smooth-barked apple, Sydney red gum

Scientific Name: Angophora costata

Distribution: Eastern Australia

Tree Size: 65-100 ft (20-30 m) tall,

                      2-3 ft (.6-1 m) trunk diameter

Average Dried Weight: 61.8 lbs/ft³ (990 kg/m³)

Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): .77, .99

Janka Hardness: 2,250 lb_f (10,000 N)

Modulus of Rupture: 19,140 lb_f/in² (132.0 MPa)

Elastic Modulus: 2,320,000 lb_f/in² (16.00 GPa)

Crushing Strength: 8,990 lb_f/in² (62.0 MPa) 

Shrinkage: Radial: 4.6%, Tangential: 7.8%,

                        Volumetric: 12.5%, T/R Ratio: 1.7

Color/Appearance: Heartwood is a light reddish brown. Contrasting sapwood is pale yellow. Gum veins are common, and can appear as defects in the facegrain of the wood. Quartersawn pieces with interlocking grain display a ribbon-stripe figure somewhat reminiscent of satinwood.

Grain/Texture: Grain is straight to interlocked. With a coarse texture and good natural luster.

Rot Resistance: Rated as moderately durable to non-durable; poor insect resistance.

Workability: Tends to be somewhat difficult to work on account of its frequent grain defects. Glues and finishes well.

Odor: No characteristic odor.

Allergies/Toxicity: Besides the standard health risks associated with any type of wood dust, no further health reactions have been associated with smooth-barked apple—possibly due to its relative obscurity. Many species in the closely related Eucalyptus genus can cause skin irritation, as well as a number of other health reactions. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicityand Wood Dust Safetyfor more information.

Pricing/Availability: Not harvested or available commercially for structural lumber. Limited quantities can be found regionally—usually as firewood or fencing material. Expect prices to be moderate.

Sustainability: This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices, and is reported by the IUCN as being a species of least concern.

Common Uses: Fences, firewood, and small, specialty wood items.

Comments: None.

Rough-barked apple (endgrain 10x)

Rough-barked apple (endgrain 1x)