MadSci Network: Botany |
This is the kind of question that can be answered in different ways depending on exactly how you define strength. The first reference has a table that compares wood strength in several ways for important USA wood species. First in compression strength is black locust at 10,180 psi. First in static bending is cherrybark oak at 2.28. First in shear strength is black locust at 2,480 psi. In the second website, the data in the first website were modified by accounting for wood density (in units such as pounds per square foot). The website author concluded that live oak was the strongest wood for its density. Based on its very low density, balsa wood (Ochroma pyramidale) is often considered the world's strongest wood. Various other woods are often mentioned as being very strong. Lignum vitae (Guaiacum officinale) has the world's densest wood that has been used to make ball bearings. Ebony (Diospyros spp.) is a very hard wood that was traditionally used for black piano keys and musical instruments such as clarinets and oboes. Desert ironwood (Olneya tesota) is another very dense, strong wood. Birch was the main wood used for the famous "Spruce Goose" the world's largest wood airplane built by eccentric billionare Howard Hughes. References Strength Properties of Commercially Important Woods Strongest Wood Re: What is the strongest kind of wood on earth? Lignum Vitae (Guaiacum officinale) Balsa wood (Ochroma pyramidale) Desert ironwood (Olneya tesota) How come Howard Hughes's "Spruce Goose" flew only once? Hardwoods: Trees & Shrubs With Hard, Dense Wood
Try the links in the MadSci Library for more information on Botany.