Properties and Uses

Penarahan

The Standard Malaysian Name for the timber from the family Myristicaceae. The timber is a light hardwood with a density of 370–770 kg m^-3 air dry. The sapwood is lighter in colour than and is poorly defined from the heartwood, which is light yellow-brown, brown with occasional pink tinge and dark red-purple stripes. A blood-red core is found in some species. Texture is rather fine to slightly coarse and even, with straight grain. The timber is only moderately strong (Strength group C). It is easy to saw and work and the planed surface is moderately smooth to smooth. Nailing property is rated good. The timber seasons fairly slowly with slight cupping, bowing, end-checking, splitting and insect attacks as the main sources of degrade. 13 mm boards take approximately 3 months to air dry, while 38 mm boards take 4 months. Shrinkage is fairly high, radial shrinkage averages 2.2% while tangential shrinkage averages 3.2%. The timber is non-durable and is subject to attacks by powder-post beetles and dry wood termites. It is, however, amenable to preservative treatment.

USES: The timber is suitable for pattern making, packing cases, crates, plywood, light temporary construction, internal partitioning and flooring.

Vernacular names applied include darah-darah (Sab.), darah-darah kerantu (Sab.), dara kerbau (Kl.), kumpang (Sar.), lempoyang paya (Sab.), lunau (Sab.), mendarah (P.M.), pala (Kd.) and penarahan arang (P.M.). Major species contributing to the timber include Gymnacranthera bancana, G. contracta, G. farquhariana var. eugeniifolia, G. forbesii; Horsfieldia grandis, H. irya, H. polyspherula, H. punctatifolia, H. irya, H. sucosa, H. superba; Knema conferta, K. furfuracea, K. hookeriana, K. laurina; Myristica cinnamomea, M. elliptica, M. gigantea, M. iners, M. lowiana and M. maingayi.