Eucalyptus Hybrid Becoming an Important Hardwood Lumber  Weyerhaeuser announced on Oct. 29 that it has acquired a two-thirds ownership of a hardwood sawmill in Brazil’s Bahia region that will produce Lyptus® lumber for furniture, flooring, cabinetry and other applications. A hybrid eucalyptus tree, Lyptus® is quickly becoming one of the world’s most important hardwood lumbers, says the manufacturer, primarily because it represents a sustainable and renewable resource. In density, strength and technical properties, it compares favorably with hardwood maple, and it rivals cherry and mahogany in appearance. The trees are grown on plantations where one-third of the area is kept in native vegetation to help preserve natural habitat, the manufacturer says, and the wood can be harvested in 14-16 years, which is much faster than other premium hardwoods grown in colder climates. With a U.S. corporate headquarters in Federal Way, WA, Weyerhaeuser is a member of the National Council of the Housing Industry — the Supplier 100 of NAHB. | 
