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Species

Major species: A mono-specific timber.

General Characteristics

Sapwood: Light yellow-brown; sharply differentiated to a deep shade of brown or dark chocolate brown on exposure. Heartwood: Red brown when fresh, darkening to a deep shade of brown or dark chocolate brown on exposure. Texture: Fine and even; grain interlocked. Weight (Air-dry): Wood very hard and very heavy; ranging from 57-64 lb/cu.ft. with an average of 60 lb/cu ft. Durability: One of the most durable timbers of the country, whether used internally or under exposed conditions. Also resistant to marine borer attacks to some extent.

Structure

Growth rings absent. Vessels moderately numerous to numerous, samll to medium-sized; mostly solitary but with some radial pairs or groups of 3 to 4; tyloses abundant and yellow white deposits common. Wood Parenchyma abundant, visible to the naked eye; predominantly aliform and confluent, with the confluent layers linking up diagonally in short wavy layers. Rays very fine or moderately fine but visible to the naked eye; not prominent on radial surface. Ripple marks absent. Intercellular canals absent.

Other Features

Lather test negative.

Uses

The timber is suitable for all form of heavy constructions like bridges, wharves, etc. the timber also attractive enough to be suitable for parquet flooring and heavy-duty flooring. Other uses include railway sleepers and power transmission poles.