What is the hardest wood possible, and where would this be a practical material?

With a Janka Hardness of 5,060 lbf, the Australian Buloke is considered to be the hardest wood on Earth. Compared to other materials however, it still yields a weaker Compressive Strength and Modulus of Rupture than Steel, and a significantly lower compressive strength than Concrete.

While I could not find data for the Buloke, the Quebracho species is almost as hard, and is only half as strong as steel by these measurements. Quebracho has around 12000 lb/in$^2$ compressive strength and 20000 lb/in$^2$ Modulus of Rupture, to steel's max of well over 100000 lb/in$^2$ for both.

• What is the hardest breed of wood that can exist, either naturally or through intentional genetic modification or breeding?
• Where in modern society would such a material be practical based on its physical properties? (Extra consideration for any situation in which it would be the best material for the job)

Notes

• Physical appearance is in no way a factor as far as this question is concerned.
• "Hardness," for the purposes of this question, means highest Janka Hardness.
• Even if the answer to the second part is that it isn't always effective, I'd still like the first part answered.

posted almost 8 years ago

Timpanus‭

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