Itaúba Tree (Mezilaurus itauba)
Scientific Name: Mezilaurus itauba — Itaúba, also called Brazilian Itaúba.
Native Home: Amazon rainforest, especially Brazil, Peru, and neighbouring parts of South America.
Height: 20–40 m.
Lifespan: Several decades, potentially over 100 years.
Uses and Harvesting
Timber: Highly durable, dense wood with strong resistance to decay and termites.
Harvesting: Mature trees are selectively felled for valuable timber where legally permitted.
Age to Harvest: Approximately 30–50 years or more for substantial timber.
Products: Outdoor decking, flooring, bridges, heavy construction, and boatbuilding.
History and Global Production
Traditional Use: Amazonian communities have used Itaúba wood for durable structures and practical wooden items.
Global Spread: Native to the Amazon region and commercially harvested for durable timber, particularly in Brazil.
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