Karas |
The timber is soft and light with a density of 335-400 kg/m3 air dry. The sapwood is not differentiated from the heartwood, which is creamy white in colour. Texture is fine but uneven due to the presence of islands of included phloem. Grain is straight. The timber is weak (Strengh group D). It is easy to resaw and cross-cut. Planing is easy and the planed surface is moderately smooth to rough, especially in the tangential boards. The timber is non-durable and is liable to stain easily by sapstain fungi. The timber can be easily treated with preservatives. The tree occasionally produces some diseased wood, which is resin-impregnated and fragrant. This diseased wood is dark brown to black in colour and is heavy and hard. The commercial name for this wood is GAHARU. It is much sought after as an incense and folk medicine.
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