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Species

Major species: Xylocarpus granatum Koeing. Other species: X. gangeticus Parkinsons.

General Characteristics

Sapwood: Light yellow brown, straw coloured or light pink, sharply differentiated from heartwood. Heartwood: Light red to very dark red, sometimes streaked with darker colours. Texture: Fine and even; grain interlocked and irregular due to gnarled form of the trees. Weight (Air-dry): Wood moderately hard to hard, moderately heavy to heavy ranging from 39-55 lb/cu.ft. with an average of 46 lb/cu ft. Durability: Only moderately durable when used in exposed condition. Reputed to be fairly resistant to termite attacks.

Structure

Growth rings present, demarcated by terminal bands of parenchyma bands. Vessel medium-sized, moderately numerous; solitary and in radial groups of 2-4, majority in groups; tyloses scarce and deposits of gummy nature may be present. Wood Parenchyma moderately abundant, more distinct in X. granatum due to the greater contrast in colour between the parenchyma and the fibre ground mass; apotracheal parenchyma in terminal bands and irregularly spaced, narrow metatracheal layers; and paratracheal parenchyma appearing as vasicentric sheaths to the vessels. Rays moderately fine, not conspicuos to the naked eyes. Ripple marks present, faint but visible to the naked eye. Intercellular canals absent.

Other Features

Lather test negative .

Uses

The timber is very attractive and suitable for hight class cabinet work, interior finishing, panelling, partioning, stair railings and shelves. The timber is extensively used for carvins and the manufacture of fancy articles and ornaments.