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Species

Major species: A mono-specific timber.

General Characteristics

Sapwood: Light yellow brown and not sharply differentiated from the darker coloured heartwood. Heartwood: Yellow brown with slightly green tinge with a dark grey-brown striped core. Texture: Moderately fine and even; grain shallowly interlocked. Weight (Air-dry): Wood very hard and very heavy ranging from 66-75 lb/cu.ft. with an average of 71 lb/cu ft. Durability: Only moderately durable and susceptible to termite attacks.

Structure

Growth rings Absent. Vessel few, medium-sized; mostly solitray but with some radial groups of 2 or 3; tyloses rare and deposits absent. Wood Parenchyma abundant, apotracheal, arranged in regularly spaced narrow bands. Rays not distinct but visible to the naked eyes. Conspicuous on radial surface as attractive flecks. Ripple marks absent. Intercellular canals absent.

Other Features

Lather test produce a slight lather.

Uses

The timber is not often exploited due to the hight butresses and poor form. It is also very hard and difficult to work. The timber is however, suitable for heavy construction if treated, piles, railway sleepers, outdeoor furniture, heavy duty furniture, panelling and the dark streaky core is suitable for parquet flooring and decorative furniture.