Re: rot-resistance of woods,locust and chestnut artevalued because they are
rot-resistant under the most difficult conditions,namely alternate wetting
and pasrtial drying. Fungi need to breathe,too, I fuess.
Other woods (with which i have no personal experience ) of the same repute
include Catalpa and osage Orange (Maclura Pomifera)
Alder's rot resistance is only under the peculiar circumstance of continuous
submersion,whether in flowing water or under the permanent water table. A
notable historical example of he latter is its use as pilings for support of
bridge piers and buildings,some reputedly of alder and still in use from
Roman times.