Category :   

Species

Rhicophora apiculata (Bakau minyak), R. mucronata(Bakau), Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (Tumu merah), B. sexangula (Tumu puteh), Bruguiera parviflora (Lenggadai), Ceriops decandra (Bakau),

General Characteristics

Sapwood: Pale brown and not distinct from heartwood. Heartwood: yellow brown, red brown to dark grey brown. Texture: Fine and even fairly straight grain giving a very fine planed surface. Weight (Air-dry): 60-73 lb/cu.ft.with and average of 65 lb/cu.ft. Durabality: Durable for interior use but only moderately durable when used under exposed conditions.

Structure

Growth rings absent. Vessels small to very small, mostly solitary, thought radial multiples of up to 4 vessels common: numerous; evenly distribute without any definite arrangement; tyloses common, especially in the heavier varieties; deposites absent. Scalariform plates present. Wood parenchyma sparse, present only as narrow, incomplete borders around some vessels. Rays narrow but distinct due to contrasting colour from the ground mass of fibres; prominent on the radial surface. Ripple marks absent. Intercellular canals absent.

Other Features

Lather test positive.

Uses

This timber usually available only in pole sizes and hence its ulitisaion is somewhat restricted. However, the timber is suitable for handles of striking tools, temporary structures, scaffolding, piling, fire wood, charcoal, pulp and paper, and rayon. the timber is attractive enough for parquet flooring