Alerce
Captured from the historical species datasheet.
At a glance
Scientific nameFitzroya cupressoides
Trade / common nameAlerce
FamilyCupressaceae
RegionSouth America
Distribution
The species occurs in the central region of Chile and in the Province of Chubut in southern Argentina. It grows primarily on marshy sites, and may also be found at higher elevations on Isla de Chiloe and in Patagonia. It form dense and nearly pure stands
Uses
Boat building (general), Boat building, Boat building: masts, Boxes and crates, Cabinetmaking, Carvings, Cigar boxes, Construction, Cooperages, Flooring, Food containers, Fuelwood, Furniture components, Furniture, Joinery (external): ground contact, Joinery, Light construction, Mathematical instruments, Mine timbers, Musical instruments , Musical instruments, Particleboard, Pencil, Piling, Plywood, Poles, Pulp/Paper products, Shakes, Shingles, Sporting Goods, Toys, Vats
Countries & Distribution
These country connections come directly from the same SQL country–species bridge used by Country Detail and the Global Navigator.
Wood images
Linked historical images associated with this species record.
Projects & Inspiration
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Project images are illustrative inspiration, not species-identification photographs. Suitability should be checked against the species data and project requirements.
Fine woodworkingDecorative detailsSmall crafted objects
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Appearance
Heartwood color
Historical source observations are shown separately; differences may reflect source, geography, test condition or publication.
Brown
Black
Green/grey
Reddish brown
Red
Brown, red, dark reddish brown with nearly black stripes after prolonged exposure
Yellow to golden-yellow to orange
The heartwood is described as a distinct brownish red in color, and is similar in appearance to California redwood (Sequoia).
Sapwood Color
Historical source observations are shown separately; differences may reflect source, geography, test condition or publication.
Green/Grey
Brown
White-Yellow
Well defined
Paler than heartwood
The sapwood is a lighter color than the heartwood and is often clearly differentiated from the heartwood.
Luster
Low
Uses & Applications
Common Uses
Boat building (general), Boat building, Boat building: masts, Boxes and crates, Cabinetmaking, Carvings, Cigar boxes, Construction, Cooperages, Flooring, Food containers, Fuelwood, Furniture components, Furniture, Joinery (external): ground contact, Joinery, Light construction, Mathematical instruments, Mine timbers, Musical instruments , Musical instruments, Particleboard, Pencil, Piling, Plywood, Poles, Pulp/Paper products, Shakes, Shingles, Sporting Goods, Toys, Vats
Product Sources
Alerce timber of large sizes and of good quality are still available from existing supplies of large, old trees.
The International Tropical Timbers Organization reports that only small quantities of Alerce are marketed because of the low number of trees remaining in the forest
Full Technical Species Profile
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Protected technical content includes physical and mechanical properties, working and drying characteristics, durability data, detailed technical observations, references and methodology.