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Species

Major species: Pentaspadon officinalis Holmes; P. velutinus Hk. f.

General Characteristics

Sapwood: Not sharply differentiated from heartwood, white or light yellow with a pink tinge. Heartwood: Light yellow green to pale grey green. Texture: Fine and even; grain shallowly interlocked. Weight (Air-dry): Wood moderately hard and moderately heavy, ranging from 30-52lb/cu.ft. with an average of 45 lb/cu ft. Durability: Moderately durable under exposed condition but liable to be stain by blue stain fungus.

Structure

Growth rings generally not present but occasional bands of terminal parenchyma may occur. Vessel medium-sized; moderately numerous; solitary and in radial groups of 2-3, the majority solitary. Wood Parenchyma sparse; consisting of very narrow borders to the . Rays moderately fine, distinct on the tangential surface due to the contrast in colour of rhe rays and the fibre ground mass. Ripple marks absent but the rays are in wavy horizontal storeys which may stimulate ripple-marks. (similar to those marks seen in Terentang (Campnosperma spp.) and Kedondong ( Spp. of Burseraceae). Intercellular canals of the horizontal type present.

Other Features

Lather test negative .

Uses

The timber is suitable for interior finishing, panelling, partitioning, mouldings, skirtings, flooring, and other planking works. It has been succesfully used as a peeler log for plywood manufacture.