Dialium guianense is an evergreen tree with a pyramidal crown; it can grow 15 - 30 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole has narrow buttresses up to 1.8 metres tall, it can be free of branches for up to 18 metres and 50 - 90cm in diameter. The tree has large prop roots. One of the most abundant and useful timber trees of central America, it is commonly harvested from the wild. The tree is also sometimes harvested from the wild for its edible fruit, which is sold in local markets and consumed locally.
General Characteristics: Heartwood uniform brown or reddish brown, becoming darker upon exposure; very distinct but not sharply demarcated from the thick whitish or yellowish sapwood. Luster medium; texture fine to medium; grain straight to interlocked; without distinctive odor or taste. Silica content reported to be as high as 1.83%.
Working Properties: The wood is rated as very difficult to work because of its high density and high silica content. Specially tipped cutters are required to effectively saw or machine this wood. Torn grain is common.
Durability: The durability of this wood is reported to be high and with high resistance to insect attack.
Preservation: The wood is rated as difficult to treat.
Uses: Heavy construction, railway crossties, industrial flooring, turnery, vehicle framing.