Mora

A dense, durable hardwood engineered by nature for strength, stability, and long‑term performance.

Common Name(s): Mora, Morabukea, Mura, Maho

Scientific Name: Mora excelsa, Mora gonggrijpii

Distribution: Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad, Northern Amazon Basin

Mora is a heavy, high‑density tropical hardwood known for its exceptional strength, durability, and resistance to wear. Native to Guyana and the northern Amazon region, Mora is widely used in industrial flooring, heavy construction, marine applications, and long‑life structural components. Its deep reddish‑brown colour, fine texture, and high mechanical properties make it a reliable choice for demanding environments. Mora is valued for its stability, resistance to decay, and ability to withstand heavy loads and abrasion.

Key Attributes

Appearance

Colour

Deep reddish‑brown to dark brown

Grain

Interlocked, sometimes wavy

Texture

Fine to medium

Density

Extremely heavy

Performance

Workability

Difficult (very dense + interlocked grain)

Durability

Very durable

Stability

Excellent dimensional stability

Technical Information

Property	Value
Janka Hardness	2,200–2,800 lbf
Modulus of Rupture	18,000–22,000 psi
Modulus of Elasticity	2,100,000–2,500,000 psi
Density	60–70 lbs/ft³ (avg ≈65)
Crushing Strength	10,500–12,500 psi
Shrinkage (Radial)	4.0%
Shrinkage (Tangential)	7.5%
Shrinkage (Volumetric)	11.5%
T/R Ratio	1.9
Workability	Difficult (density + interlocked grain)
Planing	Fair; tear-out possible
Sanding	Good
Finishing	Accepts oils and varnish well
Stability	Excellent dimensional stability
Durability	Very durable (decay + insects)
Moisture Movement	Low–Moderate