Properties and Uses

Sesendok

The Standard Malaysian Name for the timber of Endospermum spp. (Euphorbiaceae). The timber is a light hardwood with a density of 305–655 kg m^-3 air dry. The sapwood is not differentiated from the heartwood, which is bright yellow when fresh, often with a green tinge and darkens to light brown on exposure. Texture is rather coarse but even with spiral, shallowly interlocked or slightly wavy grain. The timber is weak (Strength group D). It is easy to saw and plane and produces a smooth surface. Nailing property is excellent. The timber seasons fairly rapidly without serious degrade except for some insect attacks. 13 mm boards take 2 months to air dry, while 38 mm boards take 3 months. Shrinkage is low, with radial shrinkage averaging 1.2% and tangential shrinkage averaging 1.3%. For kiln-drying, Schedule J is recommended. 25 mm boards take approximately 5 days to kiln-dry to 10% moisture content. The timber is non-durable but is extremely easy to treat with preservatives.

USES: The timber is a favoured species for the manufacture of match splints and boxes. The timber is also suitable for pattern making, manufacture of drawing boards, trays, plywood, crates, toys and wooden clogs. It is also used for the manufacture of disposable chopsticks.

Only one species, viz. E. diadenum, occurs in Peninsular Malaysia, while in Sabah and Sarawak there is another species, E. peltatum. Vernacular names applied include ekor belangkas (Sar.), inchong Perlis (Kd.), membulan (P.M.), sendok (Sab.), sendok-sendok (P.M., Sab. and Sar.), sendok-sendok mata (Sab.) and terbulan (Sar.).