Properties and Uses

Rengas

The Standard Malaysian Name for the timber of Gluta spp. and Melanochyla spp. (Anacardiaceae). The timber is a medium hardwood with a density of 640–960 kg m^–3air dry. The sapwood is light pink-brown or light brown and is sharply differentiated from the heartwood, which is dark red-brown or deep blood-red, with bands of darker, almost black streaks. Texture is moderately coarse to fairly fine and even, with interlocked or occasionally straight grain. The timber is strong (Strength group B). It is slightly difficult to resaw and cross-cut and the planed surface is only moderately smooth. The nailing property is rated as excellent. The timber seasons moderately slowly, with slight twisting and insect attacks as the main degrade. 13 mm boards take approximately 2 months to air dry, while 38 mm boards take 5 months. Shrinkage is fairly low, radial shrinkage averages 1.0% while tangential shrinkage averages 1.8%. The timber is moderately durable, being susceptible to termite attacks. The heartwood is extremely difficult to treat, while the sapwood is amenable.

USES: Due to the poisonous nature of the sap, the timber is not very often exploited. The seasoned timber, however, is quite safe to handle and is highly prized as a cabinet wood due to its streaky figure and blood red colour. The timber is also suitable for panelling, parquet flooring, fancy articles, walking sticks, turnery and sliced veneers. The timber is strong enough for medium construction provided it is protected from termites.

Vernacular names applied are usually rengas (P.M., Sab. and Sar.) with various epithets. The major species contributing to the timber include Gluta aptera, G. elegans, G. malayana, G. renghas, G. torquata, G. wallichii, G. wrayi; Melanochyla auriculata, M. bracteata, M. caesia and M. fulvinervis