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Species

Major species: Parkia javanica (Lamk.). Merr.; P. speciosa Hassk. Other species: P. singularis Miq.

General Characteristics

Sapwood: White or yellow white and in most cases not differentiated from the heartwood. Heartwood: White to light yellow brown, very rarely a darker core wood is present. Texture: Coarse and uneven; grain straight and shallowly interlocked. Weight (Air-dry): Wood soft and light, ranging from 26-46lb/cu.ft. with an average of 34 lb/cu ft. Durability: Not durable. Sapwood is highly sesceptible to sap-stain fungus and powder-post beetle attacks.

Structure

Growth rings present; demarcated by layers of darker-coloured fibres, which are visible to the naked eyes; also demarcated by terminal bands of parenchyma which are only visible with a lens. Vessels medium-sized to moderately large; few; mostly solitary but with few radial groups of 2 or 3; which a strong tendency for tangential arrangement; mostly open with occasional gum-like deposits. Wood Parenchyma abundant, visible to the naked eye; aliform and confluent, and in irregularly spaced, narrow terminal bands. Rays fine, and not conspicuous on the radial surface. Ripple marks absent. Intercellular canals absent.

Other Features

Lather test negative. Pith flecks occasionally present. Odour very strong bean smell present when fresh.

Uses

The genus is more famous for its edible fruits rather than its timber which has bean successfully used in the manufacture of plywood and for boxes and crates. The timber is also suitable for some interior works, like partitioning, stair railings and skirtings.