Category :   

Species

Major species: A mono-specific timber.

General Characteristics

Sapwood: White and sharply defined. Heartwood: Pale straw colour. Texture: Moderately coarse and even; grain straight or interlocked. Weight (Air-dry): Wood soft and light, ranging from 26-34 lb/cu.ft. with an average of 29 lb/cu ft. Durability: Not durable. Very susceptible to powder-post beetle attacks. Susceptible to powder-post beetle attacks.

Structure

Growth rings indistinct. Vessels medium sized to large; few; solitary and in radial multiples of 2 to 5 or sometimes more, occasionlly in clusters; tyloses absent and deposit occasionally present and gum-like. Wood Parenchyma abundant; in narrow apotracheal layer running from ray to ray reticulate. Rays of two distinct sizes; the fine rays are not visible to the naked eye while the broad rays ara just visible. Conspicuous on the radial surface due to darker colour. Ripple marks present but usually not distinct due to vertical fusion of rays. Intercellular canals the traumatic type present frequently.

Other Features

Lather test negative .

Uses

The timber is suitable for use as a low strength utility timber, packing cases, match boxes and core veneers for plywood. However, the core material of the timber, which is reddish brown in colour, may be rather attractive and if it is properly processed, can be used for decorative furniture, panelling, fancy arthicles, cigar boxes and other ornamental items.