KFRI

KFRI Research Report 9
A HANDBOOK OF KERALA TIMBERS
Nazma
P.M.Ganapathy
K.M.Bhat
N.Sasidharan
R.Gnanaharan
KERALA FOREST RESEARCH INSTITUTE

PEECHI, THRISSUR
June 1981
Page:260
Indexes are Linked in this Report
CONTENTS
Page
File
Introduction
iii
r.9.2
Index of Species
248
r.9.3
Index of Trade Names
255
r.9.9
Index of Local Names
257
r.9.10
Species Monograph
r.9.4
Appendix I
227
r.9.5
Appendix II
229
r.9.6
Appendix III
235
r.9.7
References
242
r.9.8
INTRODUCTION
Wood, in its primary form, was one of the first natural resources used extensively
and because o f the versatility and renewability, its usage has enlarged considerably.
I t s processing into secondary and tertiary forms, with rapid strides in technological
sophistication, has resulted in its being of service t o mankind in multitudinous ways.
While demand was o n a f e w selected species earlier, a large number of species
f o u n d their way t o the market and thereafter, t o clearly established or improvised
end uses. The improvised end uses are largely the result of practices evolved
by users with little knowledge of the structural characteristics and properties. The
wider acceptance of such end uses and innovative efforts to utilize lesser known
species depend upon a clearer understanding o f their identity, extent of availability,
structure and properties. in a region or market catchment.
The structural characteristics and properties of Indian timber species have received
attention since the beginning of the century and the' contributions of Gamble
(1922), Kinns (1925). Pearson and Brown (1932), and Trotter (1958), have thrown
considerable light on their utilization. The recent compilations by the Forest
Research Institute, Dehra Dun, viz, Indian Woods (1958, 1963 and 1972) and
Indian Forest Utilization (1970 and 1972) have contributed t o a better understanding o f the woody species of the country. The Present compilation is an
attempt t o collate information pertaining t o woody species of Kerala, so that
foresters, traders, processors as well as present and prospective users have a
ready source of information on the well known, as also the lesser known timber
species of the State.
It
is a summation of existing information gathered from
published sources, supplemented by our observations. From over 300 tree species
i n the forests of the State, available information o n among other details gross
structure, properties, processing and uses o f 162 species, has been proviaed.
These species include those of restricted occurence with little economic value
as also those cultivated extensively for industrial end uses.
Introduced species, cultivated in or outside the forests have also been included.
A n attempt has thus been made t o cover most of the timber species-wherher well
known or obscure, indigenous or exotic, widely utilized or sparingly used. The species are listed i n alphabetical order ( w i t h family) for easy reference. Apart from the
scientific names, each species is indexed under trade and local names, with appropriate cross references. Distributional details have been collected from Resources
Survey Reports and Forest Working Plans. The Forest Types followed are in accordance with the classification of Champion and Seth (1968). The qualitative
expressions used for description of the w o o d (explained in Appendix I) and the
terminology (explained in Appendix III) essentially follow the International Association of Wood Anatomists Committee o f Nomenclature (1964) and Matcalfe and
Chalk (1950). A tabulated classification according t o end uses is given i n Appendix
I I . While the ISI specifications have been taken into account in the determination of
uses, other sources of information and local practices have also been given due
emphasis. In some instances, based on the properties, suggested or possibie uses
iv
have also
been given,
The information on anatomical structure and data on properties are not exclusively from wood samples of Kerala origin. Until intensive investigations on local
samples are completed, the information provided i n this handbook should generally
be adequate, as gross structure and properties of a species are acceptable, although,
i n finer details, there may be variation not only between localities, but also within
a locality and even within a tree.
It needs to be recongnized that a wealth of useful information available with the
foresters, traders, processors and users, is not often disseminated and hence, liable
to remain unknown. To them, we make a special request to send us material and
information on Kerala timbers with them, so that the same may be considered for
incorporation. More details w i l l have t o be gathered, particularly with reference to
distribution, growing stock, gross morphological features and more investigations
have to be undertaken t o study working properties, durability etc. The Institute has
already initiated several studies pertaining to the above needs. With the results
thus obtained and the information furnished by actual growers, processors and
users, it is expected that a more comprehensive hand book on Kerala Timbers can
be brought out. The present attempt is only a begining i n that direction.
INDEX OF SPECIES
2
A. n i l o t i c a (Linn.) Willd. ex Del. ssp. indica (Benth.) Brenan
...
...
...
Acrocarpus f r a x i n i f o l i u s Wight & Arn.
...
Adenanthera pavonina Linn.
...
Acacia arabica see A. n i l o t i c a

A. ferruginea DC.
Adina cordifolia see Haldina cordifolia
*.*
104
Aegle marmelos (Linn ) Correa
...
Aglaia anamallayana (Bedd.) Kosterm
...
A . elaeagnoidea (A. Juss.) Benth.
...
A. roxburghiana see A. elaeagnoidea
...
Ailanthus malabarica see A. triphysa
A. triphysa (Dennst ) Alston
I..
...
...
...
...
...
A l b i z i a chinensis (Osb.) Merr.

A . lebbeck (Linn.) Benth.
A . odoratissima (Linn. f.) Benth.

A. procera (Roxb.) Benth.
A. stipulata see A, chinensis
Alstonia scholaris (Linn.) R . Br.
Amoora rohituka see Aphanamixis polystachya
...
...
...
10
10
11
12
14
15
11
17
22
Anthocephalus cadamba see A. chinensis
...
...
...
21
A. chinensis (Lamk.) Rich. ex Walp.
...
21
Aphanamixis polystachya (Wall
...
22
...
24
...
...
...
25
Anacardium occidentale Linn.

Anogeissus l a t i f o l i a (DC.) Wall. ex Guill. & Perr,
Parker
Artocarpus gomezianus Wail. ex Trecul ssp. zeylanicus Jarrett

A. heterophyllus Lamk,
A. hirsutus Lamk.
A. integrifolia see A. heterophyllus
18
19
27
25
a..
24
Atalantia monophylla (Roxb.) DC.
*..
28
Azadirachta indica A. JUSS.
...
30
...
116
A . lakoocha see A. gomezianus
Balanocarpus u t i l i s see Hopea u t i l i s
249
Barringtonia acutangula (Linn.) Gaertn.
...
31
Bassia l o n g i f o l i a see Madhuca I o n g i f o l i a
...
134
B. malabarica see Madhuca n e r i i f o l i a
...
135
Bauhinia malabarica see P i l i o s t i g m a malabaricum

Berrya a m m o n i l l a see B. c o r d i f o l i a
...
...
B. c o r d i f o l i a (Willd.) Burret
*.*
Bignonia xylocarpa see Radermachera xylocarpa
-*.
161
32
32
174
Bischof i a javanica BI.
-..
34
Bombax ceiba Linn.
-..
35
....
..
38
B r i d e l i a retusa see B. squamosa

B . squamosa (Lamk.) Gehrm.
Buchananla a n g u s t i f o l i a see B. a x i l l a r i s
0..
38
39
B. lanzan Spreng.
..
...
40
B . latifolia see B. lanzan
..
40
Butea frondosa see B. monosperma
...
42
B. monosperma (Lamk.) Taub.
s
.
.
42
Calophyllum elatum Bedd.
-..
43
B. axillaris (Desr.) Ramam.
C. inophyllum Linn.
s
.
C. t omentosum see C. elatum
q..
..
Canarium strictum Roxb.

Carallia brachiata (Lour.) Merr.
-e.
C. integerrima see C brachiata
*I.
C. lucida see C. brachiata
0..
39
45
43
46
47
47
47
Careya arborea Roxb.
...
49
Cassia fistula Linn.
...
50
C. siamea Lamk.
..
52
..
53
Cedrela toona see T o o n a ciliata
...
21 2
Ceiba pentandra (Linn.) Gaertn.
-..
55
Chloroxylon swietenia DC.
..
56
Chukrasia tabularis A. Juss.
58
Cinnamomum verum J . S. Presl
...
...
C. zeylanicum see C. verum
...
59
Casuarina equisetifolia J . R.
&
G. Forst.
59
250
Cocos nucifera Linn.
...
61
Cordia dichotoma Forst. f,
...
63
C. myxa see C. dichotoma
...
63
Cullenia exarillata Robyns
...
C. excelsa see C. exarillata
...
64
...
66
Linn. f.
Dalbergia lanceolaria
D. latifolia
Roxb.
0..
64
67
D . paniculata Roxb.
...
69
D. sissoides Grah. e x Wight & Arn.
*..
70
Dichopsis elliptica see Palaquium e l l i p t i c u m
._.
158
...
72
.-.
74
*..
75
Dillenia
indica Linn.
D. pentagyna Roxb.
Diospyros ebenum Koeing
,..
...
78
..
79
...
...
81
D purpureum see D. ficiforme
...
81
Elaeocarpus recur vatus Coiner
*..
83
E . ferrugineus see E . recurvatus
...
83
...
...
84
Dipterocarpus bourdilloni
Brandis
D. indicus Bedd.
Dysoxylum binectariferum
(Roxb.) Hook. f. ex Bed
D. f i c i f o r r n e (Wight) Gamble
D rnalabaricum
E. tuberculatus
Bedd.
Roxb.
Emblica o f f i c i n a l i s Gaertn.
Eriodendron anfractuosum
see C e i b a pentandra
...
76
82
86
55
87
E r y t h r i n a s t r i c t a Roxb,
E r y t h r o x y l u m monogynum Roxb.
...
88
grandis Hill ex Maid.
...
89
...
90
195
E u o d i a lunu-ankenda (Gaertn.) Merr.
..
...
E . roxburghiana see E . lunu-ankenda
...
91
Fagara rhetsa see ZanIhoxylum rhetsa
...
225
F i l i c i u m decipiens Thw.
...
92
F i r m i a n a colorata (Roxb.) R . Br.
...
93
Eucalypt
Eucalyptus t e r e t i c o r n i s S m
Eugenia /ambolana
see Syzygium cumini
91
251
...
Garuga pinnata Roxb.

G l u t a travancorica Bedd.
0 . .
...
Gmelina arborea Roxb.

Grevillea robusta A. Cunn. ex
R. Br.
Grewia t i l i i f o l i a Vahl
Gymnacranthera canarica (King) Warb.
Haldina cordifolia (Roxb.) Ridsd.
H a r d w i c k i a pinnata see Kingiodendron p i n n a t u m
...
...
...
...
...
Holigarna arnottiana Hook. f.

H . grahamii (Wight) Kurz
H o l o p t e l i a integrifolia (Roxb.) Planch.
96
97
99
101
103
104
122
I06
Heritiera p a p i l i o Bedd.
Hevea brasiliensis (HBK.) Muell. Arg.
94
...
0..
-..
9
.
.
Hopea glabra Wight & Arn.
107
108
109
110
112
H. parviflora Bedd.
-..
113
H. ponga (Dennst.) Mabberley
*..
115
H. utilis (Bedd.) Bole
.,..
116
Hopea wightiana see H ponga

H. wightiana var. glabra see H. glabra
Humboldtia decurrens Bedd. ex Oliver
Hydnocarpus alpina Wight
H. Iaurifolia see H. pentandra

H. pentandra (Buch. -Ham). Oken
0 . 0
..
0..
*..
-a.
---
115
112
11 8
119
120
120
120
H. wightiana see H. pentandra
9
.
.
Hymenodictyon excelsum (Roxb.) Wall.
*..
121
Kingiodendron pinnatum (Roxb. ex DC.) Harms
-..
122
Knema attenuata (Hook. f . & Thoms.) Warb.
0..
124
Kydia calycina Roxb.
-..
125
Lagerstroemia flos-reginae see L . reginae
128
Lannea coromandelica (Houtt ) Merr.
..
...
...
...
...
Lansium anamallayanum see Aglaia anamallayana
...
L. lanceolata see L . microcarpa

L . microcarpa Wight
L . reginae Roxb.
127
127
128
130
262
...
Litsea chinensis Lamk.
133
M a c h i l u s macrantha see Persea macrantha
...
...
Madhuca longifolia (Koeing) MacBride
...
134
M. neriifolia (Moon) H.J. Lam
-..
135
.**
136
Mangifera indica Linn.
...
I38
Melia azedarach Linn.
...
140
M. composita see M. dubia
...
141
L ophopetalum wightianum Arn.
Mallotus philippensis (Lamk.) Muell. Arg,
133
159
Meliosma arnottiana see M. pinnats
...
...
M. pinnata (Roxb.) Walp. ssp. arnottiana (Wight) Beus
...
143
M. s i m p l i c i f o l i a (Roxb.) Walp. ssp. simplicifolia
...
144
Mesua ferrea see M. nagassarium
...
145
M. nagassariurn (Burm. f. ) Kosterm.
..
145
M i c h e l i a champaca Linn.
...
147
Miliusa fomentosa (Roxb.) Sioclair
-..
149
150
Mimusops elengi Linn.
--.
...
152
Mitragyna parvifolia (Roxb.) Korth.
...
153
.-.
154
--.
154
M. dubia Cav.
M. velutina (Dunal) Hook. f. & Thoms.
Morinda coreia Buch.
- Warn.
M . tinctoria see M. coreia
141
143
124
Myristica attenuata see Knema attenuata
Nothopegia colebrookeana
...
...
155
Ochromo lagopus see 0. pyramidale
...
156
0. pyramidale (Cav. ex Lamk.) Urban
...
156
Odina wodier see Lannea coromandelica
...
...
130
M. canarica see Gymnacranthera canarica
Palaquium e t l i p t i c u m (Dalz.) Engl.

Persea macrantha (Nees) Kosterm.
Phyllanthws emblica see E m b l i c a officinalis
103
158
159
1..
86
Piliostiigma malabaricum (Roxb.) Benth.
...
161
Poeciioneuron i n d i c u m Bedd.
...
162
P o l y a l t h i a cerasoides (Roxb.) Hook. f. & Thoms.
...
163
253
P. fragrans (Dalz.) Bedd.
..
165
Pongamia glabra see P. pinnata
...
166
P. pinnata (Linn.) Pierre
...
166
Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb.
...
167
Pterospermum diversifolium Bl.
_..
170
170
P . reticulatum Wight & Arn.
...
...
171
Pterygota alata (Roxb.) R. Br.
...
172
P. glabrescens see P. diversifolium
Quassia indica (Gaertn.) Nooteb.

Radermachera xylocarpa (Roxb.) K. Schum.
Rhododendron arboreum Sm.
...
...
I
.
.
173
174
176
R. nilagiricum see R. arboreum
...
176
Saccopetalum tomentosum see Miliusa tomentosa
...
149
Salix tetrasperrna Roxb.
...
177
Salmalia malabarica see Bombax ceiba

Samadera indica see Quassia indica
0..
...
35
173
S. laurifolia Vahl
...
...
...
180
Saraca asoca (Roxb.) de Wilde
--*
181
S. indica see S. asoca
-**
181
Schleichera oleosa (Lour.) Oken
...
182
Santalum album Linn.

Sapindus emarginatus see S. laurifolia
S. trijuga see S. oleosa
---
178
180
182
Semecarpus anacardium Linn. f.
I83
Shorea roxburghii G. Don
184
184
Spondias mangifera see S. pinnata
-..
. .
S. pinnata (Linn f.) Kurz
_..
186
Stephegyne parvifolia see Mitragyna parvifolia
...
153
Sterculia alata see Pterygota alata
...
172
S. colorata see Firmiana colorata
*..
S. foetida Linn.
.-.
187
S. guttata Roxb.
-**
188
S. urens Roxb.
...
189
S. talura see S. roxburghii
186
93
254
S. villosa Roxb.
Stereospermorn chelonoides (Linn. f.) DC.
S. colais (Buch. -Ham. ex Dillw.) Mabberley
S. personatum see S. colais
..
...
...
...
190
191
192
192
194
Syzygium cumini (Linn.) Skeels
...
...
...
S. gardneri Thw.
...
197
Tamarindus indica Linn.
...
198
Tectona grandis Linn. f .
...
199
...
201
T . chebula (Gaertn ) Retz.
-..
203
T. crenulata Heyne ex Roth
...
205
...
207
...
209
Thespesia populnea (Linn.) Soland. ex Correa
.*.
210
Roemer
Trewia polycarpa Benth. ex Hook. f.
...
...
21 2
214
S. suaveolens see S. chelonodies
Linn.
Strychnos nux-vomica
(Gaertn.) Roxb.
Terminalia bellirica
Roth
Terminalia paniculata
Tetrameles nudiflora
R B r . ex Benn.
Toona ciliata
Vateria indica Linn.
-.a
191
195
21 5
V . macrocarpa G u p t a
...
21 7
V . malabarica see V . indica
-..
215
Vatica chinensis Linn.
...
218
V . roxburghiana see V. chinensis
...
21 8
Vitex altissima Linn. f.
V . leucoxylon
Linn. f.
Walsura piscida see W. t r i f o l i a
W. trifolia (A. Juss.) Harms

Wrightia tinctoria
(Roxb.) R. Br.
Xylia xylocarpa (Roxb.) Taub.

Zanthoxylum rhetsa
(Roxb ) DC,
0 . .
...
...
...
-..
21 9
220
221
221
222
-*-
223
.-.
225
I . A C A C I A F E R R U G I N E A DC.
Mimosaceae
Local name
Tree
parambai
Small to medium, 9-12 m in height and
about 40 cm in diameter
Bark dark brown, rough
Occasional in Southern dry mixed
deciduous forest
Distribution
Wood
Gross structure
D iffuse-porous
Fairly distinct
Growth rings
Vessels
Large to medium, few to moderately numerous, solitary or in multiples of 2, 3 or

more, occasionally in clusters; often filled
with gummy deposits
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - vasicentric to aliform and

al iform-conf luent
Rays
Fine, somewhat widely spaced
Properties
Colour
Sapwood yellowish-white,
heartwood
purplish-brown t o dark reddish-brown
Hard to very hard
Hardness
kg/m3
Weight
Heavy to very heavy,

12% m.c.
Grain
Straight to interlocked; texture coarse
995
at
Strength
Static Bending
Impact
Bending
Condition
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm2
Green
Air-dry
1,1
,I 49.9
1,538 5
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
122,800
145,000
Compression
parallel to grain
Max. crushing
stress
cm
152
130
kg/ cm2
557.2
862.5
Processing
Drying
Somewhat difficult as it is liable t o develop cracks and end-splits unless proper

care is taken. Kiln-seasoning offers no
difficulty
Shrinkage
Green to over- dry
Radial
2.3%
Tangential
4.0%
Working properties
Sawing satisfactory
Natural durability and preservation
Durable
Uses
Posts; beams for building construction;

agricultural implements; knees of boats;
brake blocks, buffers and railway keys.
2.
ACACIA NILOTICA (hinn.) Willd. ex Del.

ssp. INDICA (Benth.) Brenan
[ A . arabica Auct. non (Lamk.) Willd.]
Mimosaceae
Trade name
Local name
Tree
Distribution
babul
karuvelam
Small, reaches to a height of 10 m and
Bark dark brown or black, rough with
deep narrow longitudinal fissures running
spirally
Grows naturally in the deciduous forests of
Peninsular India.
In Kerala occasionally
grown in dry areas
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse porous
Growth rings
Vessels
Parenchyma
Indistinct
Medium to small, few to moderately few,
mostly solitary or in radial multtples of 2,
3 or more, occasionally in clusters; filled
with dark brown gummy deposits
Paratracheal - vasicentric, fine lines delimiting growth rings
3
Moderately broad to fine,
and irregularly spaced
Rays
rather widely
Properties
Colour
Sapwood whitish to pale yellow, heartwood pinkish-brown to reddish- brown;

sapwood sharply demarcated from heartwood, lustrous
Hardness
Moderately hard to hard
Weight
Heavy to very heavy, 720-850 kg/m 3 a t

12% m. c.
Grain
Straight to interlocked; texture medium
Strength
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Compression
parallel to grain
Condition
Modulus
of
Rupture
2
kglcm
Modulus
of
Elasticity
2
kg/cm
Green
775.6
97,700
Air- dry
894.2
1 12,800
Proceseing
Drying
cm
130
104
kg/cm2
354.1
535.8
Green conversion and proper stacking

under cover during rainy season recommended. Kiln-seasoning offers no difficulty
under mild drying schedule
Shrinkage
Working properties
Max. crushing
stress
Green to overn-dry
2,6%
Radial
Tangential 6.0%
Sawing somewhat difficult after seasoning,

works well with hand tools and finishes
to a smooth surface and takes good
polish after filling
Confiicting results reported on durability.

Heartwood treatable but complete penetration not always obtained
Uses
Mainly used in construction-work as

posts, beams and rafters in buildings;
bridges; agricultural implements; tool
handles; tent accessories; cart building;
parts of hulls of boats; sports goods; piles.
3.
ACROCARPUS FRAXINIFOLIUS Wight & Arn.

Caesalpiniaceae
Trade name
Local names
mundani
narivenga, kurangadi
Tree
Large to very large, 30-35 m in height and

about 95 cm in diameter; buttressed
Bark light grey, thin
West coast tropical evergreen and West
coast semi-evergreen forests
Distribution
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Distinct
Vessels
Medium to small, very few to moderately

few, mostly solitary or in short radial
multiples or in clusters; often filled with
whitish deposits
Parenchyma
Paratracheal and apotracheal; vasicentric,

aliform, fine lines delimiting growth rings
Rays
Fine to very fine, pinkish in colour, widely

and unevenly spaced
Properties
Colour
Sapwood yellowish to greyish-white,

heartwood light pinkish or reddish-brown
Hardness
Soft to moderately hard
Weight
Moderately heavy, 690 kg/m 3 at 12%m.c
Grain
Straight to slightly interlocked;

coarse
texture
Strength
Static Bending
Impact
Bending
Compression
parallel to grain
Condition
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm2
Green
Air-dry
806.8
1 , 119.8
Modulus
of
Elasticity
2
kg/cm
Max. crushing
stress
cm
kg/cm
126,000
154,500
81
97
421.6
517.3
Processing
Drying
Moderately refractory; green conversion

and close stacking recommended.
Kilnseasoning also suggested
Shrinkage
Green t o oven-dry
3.0%
Radial
Tangential
5.2%
Easy t o saw and work. Due t o resin, teeth

of saw often gets clogged; finishes well,
takes good polish
Working properties
Non-durable.
treatable
Uses
Mostly for poles and fence posts; building

construction; tool handles; heavy backing
cases, crates; tea chests; Class I general
purpose plywood; flush door shutters;
blockboards; core and face veneers; lorry
and bus bodies.
4.
Heartwood only partially
ADENANTHERA PAVONINA Linn.

Mimosaceae
Trade name
Local name
redwood tree
manchadi
Tree
Medium, about 20 m i n height w i t h a clear

bole of 6 m and u p to 60 cm i n diameter
Bark greyish- brown w i t h longitudinal
fissures
Distribution
Mostly grown as avenue trees. Natural

occurrence i n Kerala forests doubtful
Wood
Gross structure
Growth rings
Vessels
Diffuse-porous
Indistinct
Large t o medium, very few to moderately
few, solitary or in radial multiples of 2, 3
or i n clusters; filled with dark brown
gummy deposits
6
Paratracheal - vasicentric forming 'halo'
r o u nd the vesse Is, occasion a I I y connect in g
them
Parenchyma
Fine to very fine, closely spaced
Rays
Properties
Colour
Sapwood yellowish-grey, heartwood

pinkish-brown t o dark brown
Hardness
Hard
Weight
Heavy, 800 kg/m 3 a t 1 2 % m. c.
Grain
Interlocked; texture medium to coarse
Processing
Drying
Somewhat difficult to season, as it

develops cracks
Working properties
Easy to work, can be finished to a smooth

surface a n d takes good polish
Reported t o be durable
Uses
B uiIding construction; furniture; turnery ;

excellent firewood.
AEGLE M A R M E L O S (Linn.) Correa

Rutaceae
Trade name
bael
Local name
koovalam
Tree
Small t o medium, 8 - 13 m in height

and about 30 cm in diameter
Bark greyish, corky
Distribution
Occasional in Southern dry mixed deciduous forest
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Distinct
Vessels
Small t o very small, moderately numerous

to numerous, solitary or i n radial multiples
of 2, 3 or more, often in clusters; occasionally filled with orange-yellow gum
7
Parenchyma
Fine lines delimiting growth rings
Rays
Fine, fairly close spaced
Pith flecks
Often present
Gum canals
Vertical gum canals often present
Properties
Colour
Yellowish- white to yellowish-brown, sapwood and heartwood not distinct
Hardness
Hard to very hard
Weight
Heavy to very heavy, 895 kg/m

m.c.
Grain
Straight to curly; texure fine
a t 12%
Streagth
Static Bending
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm2
674.7
742.2
88,100
100,200
Processing
Drying
impact
Bending
Max. crushing
stress
cm
89
53
kg/cm2
351.8
495.4
Green conversion followed by stacking

under cover recommended
Shrinkage
Working properties
Compression
parallel to grain
Green t o 12% m.c.

Radial
4.47%
Tangential
8.3%
Somewhat difficult t o saw and machine,

takes good polish
Non- durable
Uses
Temporary construction ; agr ic uIt ura I

implements; carvings; tool handles;
charcoal.
6.
AGLAIA AMAMALLAYANA (Bedd.) Kosterm.

(Lansium anamallayanurn Bedd.)
Meliaceae
Local names
chinnagil, vandakamin
Tree
Medium, up to 15 m in height and

about 30 cm i n diameter
Bark grey, smooth, very thin, lenticellate
Distribution
West coast tropical evergreen forest
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Fairly distinct
Vessels
Very small, moderately numerous to numerous, solitary or in radial multiples of 2

or 3; often filled with white deposits
Parenchyma
Predominantly paratracheal; wavy tangenti a l bands often connecting the vessels and
also terminal bands delimiting growth rings
Rays
Properties
Colour
Pale yellowish to light brown, sapwood

and heartwood not distinct
Hardness
Hard to very hard
Weight
Very heavy, 970 k/m
Grain
Straight; texture fine
air-dry
Processing
Drying
Uses
Except for fine radial checks, it does not

show any seasoning defect
Small turney articles; tool handles; posts.
7.
AGLAIA ELAEAGNOIDEA (A. Juss.) Benth.

( A . roxburghiana Miq )
Meliaceae
Trade name
aglaia
Local name
punnyava
Tree
Medium t o large, 15-22 m in height and

u p t o 65 c m in diameter
Bark brownish-grey, smooth
what rough, peels off in scales
Distribution
Wood
Gross structure
t o some-
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Distinct
Vessels
Small t o very small, moderately few to

moderately numerous, solitary or in radial
multiples of 2 or 3; often filled w i t h
yellowish deposits
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - vasicentric
wavy bands
Rays
Properties
Colour
to confluent
Sapwood light greyish-yellow to light

brown, heartwood pinkish-brown t o reddish-brown
Odour
When freshly cut,

pleasant odour
heartwood
has a
Hardness
Hard to very hard
Weight
Heavy to very heavy, 730-940kg/m

k,
air-dry
interlocked t o curly; texture fine
Grain
Processing
Drying
Working properties
Air-seasoning recommended
Difficult t o saw, machining not satisfactory
Moderately durable
Uses
Construction-work; tent accessories; agricultural implements.
10
8. AILANTHUS TRIPHYSA (Dennst.) Alston

( A . malabarica DC.)
Simaroubaceae
Trade name
maharukh
Local names
perumaram, matti, pongiliyam

Large, about 25 m in height and 80 cm in
diameter
Tree
Bark grey, smooth i n young trees and

becomes rough as the tree grows old
Distribution
Sparse i n West coast semi-evergreen and

Southern moist mixed deciduous forests
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Vessels
Parenchyma
Rays
Resin ducts
Properties
Colour
Indistinct
Very large t o large, very few t o few,
solitary or in radial multiples of 2, 3 or
more
Paratracheal - vasicentric, aliform to a l i form-confluent
Broad rays widely spaced; fine rays
i n between the broad ones
Occasionally vertical traumatic resin ducts
present
Yellowish-white, sapwood and heartwood
not distinct, lustrous
Hardness
Soft
Weight
Light, 400 kg/m 3 , air-dry
Grain
Straight; texture coarse
Processing
Drying
Easy t o season; to avoid stains green

conversion and rapid seasoning recommended
Working properties
Easy to saw and machine, nailing good

Perishable. Heartwood easily treatable
Uses
Packing cases; match splints and boxes;

slate frames; toys; Class Ill veneers, core
cross bands and face veneers for blockboards.
11
9.
ALBlZlA CHINENSIS (Osb.) Merr.

( A stipulata Boiv.)
Mimosaceae
Trade name
Local names
Tree
siris
pottavaga, pulivaha
Large 20-30 m i n height w i t h a clear
bole o f 9 m and u p t o 90 cm i n diameter
Bark grey, smooth w i t h a few wrinkles
and numerous cracks
Distribution
Moist teak bearing and Southern moist

mixed deciduous forests
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse- porous
Growth rings
Distinct
Vessels
Large t o medium, very few t o moderately

few, evenly distributed w i t h a tendency t o
semi-ring-porous, solitary or i n radial
multiples of 2, 3 or more i n clusters; often
filled w i t h gummy deposits
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - vasicentric,
lines delimiting growth rings
Rays
Properties
Colour
interrupted
Fine, wide t o somewhat closely spaced

Sapwood white or yellowish-white, heartwood pale brown t o light reddish-brown,
lustrous
Soft
Hardness
Weight
Grain
Light, 400 kg/m 3 at 12% m.c.

Straight t o slightly interlocked;
coarse
Strength
Static Bending
Impact
Bending
texture
Compression
parallel t o grain
Condition
Green
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm
477.5
63,800
Max. crushing
stress
cm
kg/cm 2
51
291.1
12
Processing
Drying
Green conversion and proper stacking

under cover recommended. Kiln-seasoning
satisfactory
Working properties
Easy to saw,
machining satisfactory,
takes good polish provided careful filling
is done
Non-durable.
treatment
Uses
Heavy packing cases and boxes; turnery;

ballies and fence posts; decorative plywood; cabinets; flush door shutters; panelling; picture frames; blockboards.
10.
Heartwood refractory to
ALBlZlA LEBBECK (Linn.) Benth.

Mimosaceae
Trade name
kokko
Local name
vaga
Tree
Medium to large, about 20 m in height

and 65 cm in diameter
Bark grey to dark brown, rough, irregulary
cracked
Distribution
Occasional in Moist teak bearing forest;

sometimes planted
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Scarcely distinct
Vessels
Very large to large, few, solitary or i n

radial multiples of 2 or 3; occasionally
filled with gummy deposits
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - vasicentric to aliform
Rays
Fine to very fine, somewhat closely

spaced
13
Properties
Colour
Sapwood whitish or yellowish-white,

heartwood brown or chocolate coloured
with dark streaks, fairly lustrous
Hardness
Weight
Moderately heavy, 640 kg/m 3 a t 12% m.c.
Grain
Straight to wavy or interlocked; texture

coarse
Strength
Static Bending
Impact
Bending
Compression
parallel to grain
Condition
Modulus
of
Rupture
kglcm2
672.1
887.2
Green
Air-dry
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kglcm 2
11 1,700
122,700
Max. crushing
stress
cm
kg/cm2
76
69
358.2
534.1
Processing
Drying

and stacking under cover recommended.
Kiln-seasoning possible without any
difficulty
Shrinkage
Green to oven-dry
Radial
2.9%
Tangent ia I
5.8%
Working properties
Difficult to saw, machining not satisfactory, can be worked to a fine smooth surface and takes good polish. Peels
satisfactorily i f soaked in hot water
Very durable.
treatable
Uses
Class I general purpose plywood, decorative panelling; tea chests; blockboards; flush
door shutters; furniture and cabinets; construction paraquet; musical instruments;
mathematical and drawing instruments;
tool handles; shafts of carts; lorry bodies.
Heartwood only partially
14
11.
ALBlZlA ODORATISSIMA
(Linn. f.) Benth.
Mimosaceae
Trade name
Local names
kala siris
ku n nivaga, nellivaga
Tree
Medium, about 20 m in
in diameter
height and100 cm
Bark grey with dark patches. rough, irregularly cracked
Distribution
Southern moist mixed deciduous, Southern dry mixed deciduous and West coast
semi-evergreen forests
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Scarcely distinct
Vessels
Parenchyma
Very large to large, few, solitary or in radial

multiples of 2 or 3; occasionally filled with
gummy deposits
Paratracheal - aliform, rarely confluent
Rays
Fine to very fine, widely spaced
Properties
Colour
Sapwood white or yellowish-white, heart

wood dark brown with dark streaks fairly
lustrous
Hardness
Weight

Moderately heavy to very heavy, 595-1010
kg/m3 a t 12% m c.
Straight to wavy or slightly interlocked:
texture coarse
Grain
Streogth
Static Bending
Condition
Modulus
Of
Rupture
kg/cm2
Green
Air-dry
936.8
1,437.9
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm2
135,400
145,200
Impact
Bending
Compression
parallel to grain
Max. crushing
stress
cm
109
99
kg/cm 2
580.2
7875
Processing
Drying

and stacking under cover recommended
Shrinkage
Green to oven-dry
Radial
3.0%
Tangential
5.2%
Working properties
Difficult t o saw, machining not salisfactory, can be brought t o a fine smooth surface
Very durable.
t o treatment
Uses
Commercial plywood, decorative plywood;

furniture and cabinets; flush door shutters;
building and bridge construction; tool
handles; railway sleepers; mathematical
and engineering instruments; shafts of
carts and carriages.
12.
Heartwood very refractory
ALBlZlA PROCERA (Roxb.) Benth.

Mimosaceae
Trade name
safed siris
Local names
karinthagara, vella vaka
Tree
Large, about 30 m i n height w i t h a clear

bole of 12 m and 80 cm in diameter
Bark light yellowish or greenish-white or
pale grey, smooth
Distribution
Southern moist mixed deciduous and Moist

teak bearing forest. Often planted a s
avenue trees
Woad
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Scarcely distinct:
V essels
Very large to large, solitary or i n radial

multiples of 2 or 3; occasionally filled w i t h
gummy deposits
16
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - vasicentric t o aliform
Rays
Fine to very fine, somewhat closely spaced
Properties
Colour
Sapwood pale yellowish-white, heartwood

brown t o dark brown
Hardness
Weight
Moderately heavy, 640 kg/m 3 at 120%m.c.
Grain
Straight t o somewhat wavy or interlocked;

texture coarse
Strength
Condition
Modulus
of
Green
Air-dry
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Compression
parallel t o grain
Modulus
Max. crushing
stress
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Elasticity
kglcm 2
669.7
1,023.9
90,200
10,900
kg/cm 2
cm
107
150
341 . 1
570.1
Processing
Drying
Green conversion and

cover recommended
Shrinkage
Working properties
stacking
under
Green to oven - dry

Radial
3.10%
Tangential
6 .90%
Easy to saw and work
Moderately durable.
partia Ily treatable
Uses
Commercial plywood, flush door shutters;

building construction; tool handles; railway sleepers musical
;
instruments; mathematical, engineering and drawing instruments; shafts of carts.
Heartwood only
17
13.
ALSTONIA SCHOLARIS (Linn.) R. Br.

Apocynaceae
Trade name
shaitan wood
Local name
ezhilam-pala
Tree
Medium to large, up to 30 m i n height

with a clear bole of 12 m and about
110 cm i n diameter
Bark greyish-brown,
Distribution
rough, lenticellate
Southern moist mixed deciduous and

Moist teak bearing forests
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels
Medium to small, few, occasionally solitary, mostly i n radial multiples of 2, 3 or

often 5; occasionally filled with tyloses,
and yellowish gummy deposits
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - vasicentric and in wavy

lines connecting the vessels; apotracheal
- diffuse; crystals often present
Rays
Fine to very fine, closely spaced: crystals

occasionally present, yellow gummy infiltration sparse
Properties
Colour
White to yellowish-white or pale brown,

often discoloured due to sap stain,
sapwood and heartwood not distinct,
Iustrou s
Hardness
Soft
Weight
Light t o very light, 350-465 kg/m

12% m. c.
Grain
Straight; texture medium to fine
at
18
Strength
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Condition
Modulus
of
Rupture
kglcmz
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cmz
361
466
63,100
70,400
Green
Air-dry
Processing
Drying
Compression
parallel to grain
Max. crushing
stress
cm
41
30
kg/cm2
196
273
Green conversion and soaking in water

before seasoning recommended
Working properties
Easy to saw and work, finishes to a dull

moderately smooth surface
Natural durability and preservalion
Non - durable
Uses
Class III. plywood and veneers; packing

cases and boxes; match splints; pencil
slats; wooden footwear.
14. ANACARDIUM OCCIDENTALE Linn.

Anacardiaceae
Trade name
cashew wood
Local names
kashu-mavu, parangi-mavu
Tree
Small to medium, 8-15 m in height and up

to 50 cm i n diameter
Bark grey, or greyish-brown, rough, moderately thick, fibrous
Distribution
Native of South America;

cultivated
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Indistinct
extensively
19
Vessels
Medium t o small, few t o moderately few,

solitary or in radial multiples of 2-4;
occasionally filled with tyloses
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - vasicectric to aliform
Rays
Fine, pinkish, closely spaced
Properties
Colour
Pale grey t o brownish-grey, sapwood and

heartwood usually indistinct
Hardness
Soft
Weight
Grain
Straight to somewhat interlocked; texture

coarse
Processing
Not difficult t o saw and work, nail holding
capacity good
Working properties
Perishable
Uses
Low quality furniture; fibreboards; blockboards; packing cases; charcoal.
15. ANOGEISSUS LATlFOLlA (DC.) Wall. ex Guill. & Perr.

Combretaceae
Trade name
axlewood
Local names
mazhukanjiram,vet la-nava
Tree
Large, up t o 30 m in height with a clear

bole of 15 m and about 60 cm in diameter
Bark greenish or greyish-white, smooth,
exfoliating in irregular thin scales
Distribution
Southern moist mixed deciduous, Southern dry mixed deciduous and Moist teak
bearing forests
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse- porous
Growth rings
indistinct
20
Vessels
Small, moderately numerous to numerous,

solitary or in radial multiples of 2,3 or
often more in slightly oblique or tangential groups
Parenchyma
Paratracheal -vasicentric to aliform, often

confluent connecting the vessels
Rays
Very fine, closely spaced
Gum canals
Traumatic, often in short or long tangent i a l rows
Properties
Colour
Sapwood grey t o pale yellowish-brown,

heartwood purplish-brown
Hardness
Hard to very hard
Weight

12% m c .
Grain
Slightly interlocked; texture fine
785-1105 kg/m3 at
Strength
lmpact
Bending
Static Bending
Condition
~-
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm2
896.6
1,101.1
Green
Air-dry
Compression
parallel to grain
Modulus
of
Elasticity
2
kg/cm
Max, crushing
stress
cm
kg/cm2
122,100
145
403.0
134,400
130
525.5
Processing
Drying
Difficult to season as it develops splits

and cracks; green conversion in rainy
season followed by stacking under cover
recommended. Kiin-seasoning difficult
due to surface cracking
Shrinkage
Working properties
Green to oven-dry
Radial
4.2%
Tangent ia I
7.2
Difficult t o saw, but can be machined and

finishes to a smooth surface
21
Non-durable.
to treatment
Uses
Tool handles; agricultural implements; rail-
way sleepers; clubs, gymnastic rings,

jumping and vaulting stands; carts and
carriages; picker arms in textile mills; cross
arms and ballies; excellent charcoal.
16.
ANTHOCEPHALUS CHINENSIS (Lank.) Rich. ex Walp.

[A. cadamba (Roxb.) Miq.]
Rubiaceae
Trade name
kadam
Local names
cadamb, attu-teak
Tree
Medium t o large, 15-25 m in height w i t h

a clear bole of 9 m and about 60 cm i n
diameter
Bark dark grey, w i t h longitudinal fissures;
peels off i n thin scales
West coast semi-evergreen forest
Distribution
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Vessels
Fairly distinct
Large to very small, moderately numerous
t o numerous, mostly solitary or i n radial
multiples of 2, 3 or 4
Parenchyma
Paratracheal
diffuse
Rays
scanty; apotracheal -
Properties
Colour
White w i t h yellowish tinge t o creamy

white or yellowish-grey, sapwood and
heartwood not distinct
Hardness
Soft
22
Weight
Light to moderately heavy, 385-640 kg/m

a t 12% m.c.
Grain
Strength
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Compression
parallel to grain
Condition
10% m.c.
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm2
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/m
Max. crushing
stress
cm
kg/cm2
884.1
95,200
541.1
Processing
Drying
Conversion soon after felling and stacking

between stickers under cover recommended
Working properties
Sawing and working not difficult

perishable. Heartwood easily treatable
Natural durability and Preservation

Uses
Furniture; tea chests; building construction; Class I l l veneers for plywood; match
splints; pencil slats; turnery.
17. APHANAMIXIS POLYSTACHYA (Wall.) Parker

[Amoora rohituka (Roxb.) Wight & Arn.]
Meliaceae
Trade name
pitraj
Local name
c hemmaram
Tree
Medium to large, 18-25 m i n height with

a clear bole of 5-8 m and up to 80 cm in
diameter
Bark greyish-brown to dark brown, rough,
exfoliating in circular flakes
Distribution
23
Wood
Gross structure
D iffuse-porous
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels
Medium, few to moderately few, solitary

or in radial multiples of 2-4; often filled
with dark gummy deposits
Parenchyma
Apotracheal
paratracheal
Rays
Pith flecks
Occasionally present
- straight to
- vasicentric
wavy bands;
Properties
Colour
Sapwood yellowish with a pinkish tinge,

heartwood reddish-brown, lustrous when
freshly cut
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Moderately heavy, 705 kg/m a t 12% m c.
Grain
Straight to slightly
meidum
interlocked; texture
Strength
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Compression
parallel to grain
Condition
Modu l us
of
Rupture
kg/cm2
733.7
965.8
Green
Air-dry
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm2
Max. crushing
stress
cm
103,562
1 13,475
94
89
kg/cm 2
356.7
531.2
Processing
Drying
Air-seasoning gives good results

Shrinkage
Green to oven-dry
Radial
3.3%
Ta ngential
8.3 %
Working properties
Sawing and machining satisfactory
Very durable
Uses
Furniture and cabinets; doors and windows;

Class I plywood and veneers; tea chests.
24
18. ARTOCARPUS GOMEZIANUS Wall. ex Trecul

ssp. ZEYLANICUS Jarrett
( A . lakoocha non Roxb.)
Moraceae
Trade name
Local name
lakooc h
thitti-pilavu
Tree
Medium, 12-20 m in height and about

65 cm in diameter
Bark greyish-brown or brownish-black,
peels off in small, thin flakes
Distribution

West coast semi-evergreen forests
Wood
Gross structure
Growth rings
Vessels
Diffuse-porous
Indistinct
Very large to large, moderately few, mostly
solitary or in radial multiples of 2 or 3;
often filled with chalky deposits
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - vasicentric
Rays
Moderately
spaced
Properties
Colour
Sapwood whitish t o greyish-white, heartwood light yellowish-white to golden

brown, lustrous when first exposed
Hardness
Weight
Grain
Strength
Condition
Green
Air-dry
broad t o fine, fairly wide
Moderately hard
3
Moderately heavy, 640 kg/m a t 12%m.c.
Straight or interlocked; texture coarse
Static Bending
Impact
Bending
Compression
parallel to grain
Modulus
of
Rupture
2
kg/cm
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm2
Max. crushing
stress
cm
kg/cm2
499
808
6 1,400
76,400
160
122
210
368
Processing
Drying
Seasons without difficulty, if converted

soon after felling
Working properties
Difficult to saw and work when dry, finishes to a smooth surface, does not take
polish satisfactorily
Very durable
Uses
B u i Iding construction: as beams, posts,

rafters, door, window frames and scantlings; blockboards; boat oars, dugouts;
railway sleepers; furniture and cabinets.
19. ARTOCARPUS HETEROPHYLLUS Lamk.

( A . integrifolia Linn.)
Moraceae
Trade names
jack, kathal
Local name
pilavu
Tree
Medium to large, 18-25 m in height, and

up to 120 cm in diameter
Bark blackish, mottled with black and
green, rough with warty excrescences
Distribution
West coast tropical evergreen and Southern

hill-top tropical evergreen forests; widely
cultivated
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels
Very large to large, few, mostly solitary

or in radial multiples of 2 or 3; often
filled with tyloses or chalky deposits
Parenchyma
Rays

spaced
fairly wide
26
Properties
Colour
Sapwood greyish or pale yellow, heartwood yellow to yellowish-brown or

pinkish-brown, lustrous when first exposed
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Moderately heavy, 595 kg/m3 at 12% m.c.
Grain
Straight to interlocked;
texture medium
Strength
Static Bendlng
Condition
Green
Air-dry
...
Impact
Bending
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm2
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm2
cm
633
806
82,300
100,700
73
64
Compression
parallel to grain
Max. crushing
stress
kg/cm2
338
4 96
Processing
Drying
Seasons well when open stacked after

conversion
Working properties
Easy to saw and work, can be brought to

a smooth finish and takes good polish
Very durable
Uses
Multi-purpose constructional timber;

furniture and cabinets; carvings and turnery; Class II plywood and veneers; marine
plywood; blockboards; musical, mathematical, engineering and drawing instruments; lorry and bus bodies; brushware.
27
20.
ARTOCARPUS HIRSUTUS Lamk.

Moraceae
aini
anjili, anyani
Trade name
Local names
Tree
Large to very large, 25-45 m in height

with a clear bole of 10-20 m and up to
130 cm in diameter
Bark dark brown, smooth
West coast tropical evergreen, West coast
semi-evergreen and Southern secondary
moist mixed deciduous forests
Distribution
Wood
Gross structure
D iff use-porous
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels
Very large to large, few, solitary or in radial

muitiples of 2 or 3; often filled with tyloses
or white chalky deposits
Parenchyma
Rays

Moderately broad
spaced
Properties
Colour
to fine,
fairly wide
Hardness
Sapwood greyish or yellowish-white,

heartwood golden yellow to yellowishbrown, lustrous when first exposed
Moderately hard
Weight
Moderately heavy, 595 kg/m 3 at 12% m.c.
Grain
Strength
Static
Bending
Impact
Bending
Compression
Parallel to grain
Condition
Modu Ius
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Green
Air-dry
752
969
Max. crushing
stress
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
cm
kg/cm
104,500
122,400
76
58
414
61 6
28
Processing
Drying
Air-and klin-seasoning offer no difficulty

Shrinkage
Green t o oven-dry
Radial
3.4%
Tangential
5.3%
Working properties
Easy to saw and machine when green;

turns well to a good shining surface;
takes lasting polish
Durable
Uses
Boat and shipbuilding; vehicle bodies;

beams, rafters, window, door frames and
ceiling boards; furniture and cabinets;
turnery; piles; flush door shutters; Class I
plywood and veneers; marine plywood;
blockboards; tool handles; fence posts;
textile mill accessories; cooperage; hurdles
for sports; mathematical, engineering and
drawing instruments; brushware; carts and
carriages.
21.
ATALANTIA M O N O P H Y L L A (Roxb.) DC.

Ru tace ae
Local names
mala-narakam, kattu-narakam
Tree
Small, 6 - 9 m in height and 20 - 25 cm i n

diameter
Bark grey to dark brown, smooth
Distribution
Wood
Gross structure
Southern dry mixed deciduous forest
Diffuse - porous
Growth rings
Distinct
Vessels
Small t o very small, numerous t o very

numerous, solitary or in radial multiples
of 2 - 5 or more in clusters; often filled
w i t h yellowish or brownish gum - like
deposits
29
Parenchyma
Apotracheal - diffuse, concentric bands

delimiting growth rings
Rays
Gum canals
Pith flecks
Often present
Properties
Colour
Yellow to yellowish-brown, sapwood and

heartwood not distinct, lustrous
Hardness
Very hard
Weight
Very heavy, 895 kg/m 3 at 12% m.c.
Grain
Fairly straight t o slightly twisted; texture

fine
Strength
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Compression
parallel to grain
Condition
Modulus
of
Rupture
2
kg/cm
Green
Air-dry
833.9
1,158.8
Max. crushing
stress
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
103,100
136,700
cm
kg/crn2
58
451.9
61 2.7
Processing
Drying
Refractory to seasoning
Shrinkage
Green to 12% m.c.
Radial
5.1%
Tangential 8.6%
Working properties
Easy to saw, machining satisfactory, takes

good polish
Durable
Uses
Turnery and carvings; mathematical

instruments; penholders; camp furniture.
30
22.
AZADIRACHTA INDICA
A. Juss.
Meliaceae
Trade name
neem
Local names
arya-veppu, veppu
Tree
Medium t o large, 15-20 m in height with

a clear bole of 7 m and about 50 cm in
diameter
Bark greyish t o dark grey w i t h tubercles
Distribution
Naturally found i n deciduous forests of

Peninsular India.
I n Kerala, planted
mostly i n homesteads
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Distinct
Vessels
Medium, few t o moderately few, solitary

or i n radial multiples of 2 or 3, often in
clusters; filled w i t h brownish gum
Parenchyma
Apotracheal - irregularly placed tangential and continuous bands delimiting

growth rings; paratracheal - vasicentric,
also in tangential lines connecting vessels
Rays
Fine t o moderately
widely spaced
Gum canals
Often present i n tangential bands
broad,
somewhat
Properties
Colour
Sapwood yellowish-grey t o yellowishbrown, heartwood reddish brown, lustrous
Odour
Freshly cut wood has characteristic odour
Hardness
Hard to very hard
Weight
Heavy, 835 kg/m3 a t 12% m.c.
Grain
interlocked; texture coarse
31
Strength
Static Bending
Impact
Bending
Compression
parallel to grain
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
728.7
91 3.9
85,200
98,600
Max. crushing
stress
kg/cm 2
cm
124
104
400.0
480.8
Processing
Green conversion followed by open stacking under cover recommended
Drying
Shrinkage
Working properties
Green to oven-dry
Radial
4.5%
Tangential
6.2%
Sawing and machining fairly good, gives

fair finish
Durable
Uses
Carvings and toys; agricultural implements;

tool handles; boards and panels; furniture.
23. BARRINGTONIA ACUTANGULA
(Linn.) Gaertn.
Barringtoniaceae
Local names
nir- pezhu, attu-pezhu
Tree
Medium, 10-15 m in height and up to

50 cm in diameter
Distribution
Southern moist mixed deciduous and West

coast tropical evergreen forests; mostly
along the banks of rivers and streams
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
32
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels
Small to medium, moderately numerous,

solitary or in radial multiples of 2-4
Parenchyma
Apotracheal - diffuse,
fine tangential
tines; paratracheal - vasicentric and
aliform
Rays
Broad to very broad, closely spaced
Properties
Colour
Sapwood Iight pinkish, heartwood reddishgrey sapwood and heartwood not very
distinct, lustrous
Hardness
Soft
Weight
Light to moderately heavy, 580 kg/m3 a t

12% m.c.
Grain
Processing
Drying
Quarter sawing and proper stacking

recommended
Working properties
N o difficulty i n sawing and machining
Moderately durable
Uses
Packing cases and boxes; furniture; carts.
24.
BERRYA CORDlFOLlA (Willd.) Burret

(B. ammonilla Roxb.)
Tiliaceae
Trade name
trincomalee wood
Tree
Medium to large, 18-25 m in height with

a clear bole of 9-11 m and about 80 cm
in diameter
Bark brownish-grey
fissures
with
longitudinal
33
Native of Sri Lanka, occasionally grown
as avenue trees
Distribution
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse - porous
Scarcely distinct
Growth rings
Medium to moderately small, moderately

of 2-5, occasionally in small clusters;
plugged with tyloses
Paratracheal - vasicentric and aliform,
with occasional broad confluent bands
Fine to very fine, storied
Vessels
Parenchyma
Rays
Properties
Hardness
Sapwood whitish to greyish brown, heartwood reddish to chocolate brown with

dark streaks
Very hard
Weight
Heavy to very heavy, 960 kg/m 3 at
Colour
12% m.c.
Slightly interlocked;texture medium to fine
Grain
Strength
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Condition
Modulus
Modulus
of
of
Rupture
kg/cm2
945.2
1,193.8
Green
Air-dry
Processing
Drying
Working properties
Compression
parallel to grain
Max. crushing
stress
Elasticity
i
kg/cm2
cm
kg/cm2
133,700
147,200
150
145
449.1
563.7
Seasons fairly well

Green to 12% m.c
Shrinkage
5.5%
Radial
Tangential
9.5%
Difficult to saw, machining satisfactory,
works to a fine finish and takes good
polish
34
Very durable. Easily treatable
Uses
Building construction; boat building; carriages and carts; lorry bodies; agricultural
implements; tool handles; turnery; bentwood articles; bobbins; cooperage.
25.
BlSCHOFlA JAVANICA BI.

Euphorbiaceae
Trade names
Local names
Tree
Distribution
bishopwood, uriam
cholavenga, nira, thrippu
Medium tq large, 15-25 m in height and
Bark dark grey with a brownish tinge, exfoliating in angular scales
West coast tropical evergreen and
West coast semi-evergreen forests
Wood
Gross structure
D iffuse-porous
Growth rings
Vessels
Indistinct
Large to medium, moderately few to
moderately numerous, occasionally solitary
or mostly in radial multiples of 2 or 3,
rarely in double rows; often filled with
reddish-brown gum
- scanty
Parenchyma
Paratracheal
Rays
Moderately broad and fine, the latter

interspersed in between the broader ones;
filled with dark brown deposits and
crystals
Properties
Colour
Hardness
Sapwood light creamy to reddish-brown,

heartwood reddish-brown to chocolatebrown
Moderately hard
Weight
Grain
Straight to irregularly interlocked; texture

coarse
Strength
Condition
Green
Air-dry
impact
Bending
Static Bending
Compression
parallel to grain
-___-
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm2
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm2
490
882
1 1 3,l0 0
88,400
Max. crushing
stress
cm
58
76
kg/cm2
237
533
Processing
Drying
Seasons fairly well although liable to

warping. Kiln- seasoning gives satisfactory
results
Working properties
Saws easily when green and works to a

smooth surface
Non-durable. Heartwood very refractory t o

treatment
Uses
Beams in buildings; tea chests; packing

cases and boxes; pencil slats; carrom
boards; carvings; poles and posts.
26.
B O M B A X CEIBA Linn.
[Salmalia malabarica (DC.) Schott. & Endl.]
Bombacaceae
Trade name
semul"
Local names
mullilavu, poola
Bombax insigne W a l l , Occasionally found in Southern moist mixed deciduous forest; also
included in this trade name. wood characteristics, properties and uses are similar to B. ceiba.
36
Large t o very large, 25-40 m i n height
w i t h a clear bole of 15-25 m and up t o
150 cm in diameter; buttressed
Tree
Bark grey, covered with conical prickles

when young, deeply cracked when old,
outer bark fleshy and soft, inner fibrous
West coast semi-evergreen, Southern
moist mixed deciduous arid Moist teak
bearing forests
Distribution
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Scarcely distinct
Vessels
Very large t o large, scanty, mostly solitary

or i n radial multiples of 2 or 3
Parenchyma
Predominanrly apotracheal - fine interrupted tangential lines forming reticulum

with rays
Rays
Fine to very broad, widely spaced, forming

conspicuous flecks o n radial surface
Properties
Colour
Creamy white t o pale yellowish-brown or

greyish-brown, sapwood and heartwood
not distinct, often lustrous
Hardness
Very soft t o soft
Weight
Very light t o light, 365 kg/rn3 a t 12% m.c.
Grain
Strength
Static Bending
Condition
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm2
Green
Air-dry
582
428
I mpact Bending
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
cm
5 1,043
53
59,500
48
37
Compression Parallel
Compression perpendicular t o grain
t o grain
Condition
Compressive
stress at
elastic limit
kg/cm 2
Max. crushing
stress
kg/cm 2
144
188
Green
Air-dry
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
Compressive
stress at
elastic limit
kg/cm 2
57,652
65,296
181
242
26
29
Tension per pend ic u I a r

t o grain
Shear parallel
to grain
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Radial
kg/cm 2
Tangential
kg/cm 2
Radial
kg/cm 2
Tangent ia I
kg/cm 2
39
49
55
21
25
26
35
40
Processing
Drying
Very easy to season; quick conversion and

open stacking under cover recommended
Shrinkage
Working properties
Green
to
Radial
Tangential
oven-dry
2.3%
5.1
Easy t o saw; peels and glues well
Perishable.
Uses
Class III plywood and veneers; packing

cases and boxes; match splints and boxes;
shipbuilding; fishing floats; cooperage;
toys; pencil slats.
Heartwood
easily treatable
38
27.
BRlDELlA S Q U A M O S A (Lamk.) Gehrm.

( B . retusa Spreng.)
Euphorbiacene
Trade name
kasi
Local name
mullu-venga
Tree
Small to medium, 8-18 m i n height and

up to 65 cm i n diameter
Bark greyish-brown, rough with many
cracks, exfoliating in irregular flakes
Distribution
Mostly in Southern moist mixed deciduous,

West coast semi-evergreen and Moist teak
bearing forests
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Distinct
Vessels

mostly solitary or in radial multiples of
2-4; tyloses present
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - scanty
Rays
Fine to moderately broad, fairly close

spaced, forming silvery radial flecks; filled
with dark coloured deposits and crystals
Properties
Colour
Sapwood greyish-white to grey, heartwood olive-brown
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Heavy, 785 kg/m 3 a t 12% m.c.
Grain
Shallowly or deeply interlocked; texture

madium to coarse
39
Strength
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Condition
Compression
parallel to grain
Max. crushing
stress
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm2
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm2
cm
kg/cm2
580
759
94,200
108,300
86
89
282
422
Green
Air-dry
Processing
Drying
Green conversion and stacking under cover

recommended
No difficulty in sawing and machining

and works to a fairly smooth surface
Working properties
Moderately durable
Uses
Rafters, post and floor boards in building:

agricultural implements; tool handles;
carts and carriages.
28.
BUCHANANIA AXlLLARlS (Desr.) Ramam.

( B . angustifolia Roxb.)
Anacardiaceae
Local names
kula-mavu, mala-mavu
Tree
Medium, up to 15 m in height and about

30 cm in diameter
Bark dark brown, rough with irregular
cracks
Distribution
Southern moist-mixed deciduous forest
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
40
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels
Large, very few to moderately few, solitary or in radial multiples of 2 or 3; frequently filled with tyloses
- scanty,
Parenchyma
Paratracheal
brownish
Rays
Brownish; broad, widely spaced; fine,

closely spaced among the broad ones
Gum canals
Horizontal, occasionally seen in broad

rays
vasicentric;
Properties
Colour
Greyish-white to greyish-brown, sapwood

Hardness
Weight
Light to moderately heavy, 605 kg/m3 a t

12% m.c.
Grain

coarse
Processing
Drying
Quick conversion and open stacking under

cover recommended
Working properties
Easy to saw, machining satisfactory
Natoral durability and preservation
Non-durable
Uses
Packing cases; temporary construction;

light furniture; toys.
29.
BUCHANANIA LANZAN Spreng.

(B. latifolia Roxb.)
Anacardiaceae
Local name
moongapezhu
Tree
Medium, about 18 m in height and 40 cm

in diameter
.
Bark dark grey or nearly black, rough.

fissured into small plates
41
Moist teak bearing forests; sparse in Laterite thorn forest
Distribution
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse- porous
Growth rings
Indisti nct
Vessels
Large, very few to moderately few; solitary, or in radial multiples of 2 or 3;

frequently filled with tyloses
Parenchyma
Rays
Brownish; broad, widely spaced; fine,

closely spaced among the former
Gum canals
Horizontal, occasionally present
and
vasicentric
Properties
Colour
Greyish-white or brown,
Hardness
Weight
Light, 500 kg/m 3 a t 12% m.c.
Grain

even and coarse
sapwood and
Strength
~~
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Compression
parallel to grain
Condition
~~
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm2
321.9
522.0
57,500
80,300
Green
Air-dry
Max. crushing
stress
cm
kg/cm2
41
150.5
293.9
Processing
Drying
Quick conversion and open stacking under

cover recommended
Shrinkage
Green to
Radial
Tangential
oven-dry
4.1 %
7.3%
42
Easy to saw and machining satisfactory
Working properties
Non-durable
Uses
Match splints; packing cases; domestic

appliances; temporary construction.
30. BUTEA MONOSPERMA (Lamk.) Taub.

(B.frondosa Roxb.)
Papilionaceae
Trade names
flame of the forest, palas
Local names
plas, chamatha
Tree
Medium, 12-15 m i n height and about

40 cm in diameter
Bark grey, exfoliating in irregular pieces
Distribution
Southern dry mixed deciduous and Laterite

thorn forests
Wood
Gross structure
D iff use- po ro us
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels
Very large to very small, few to very few,

mostly solitary or i n radial multiples of
2 or 3
Parenchyma
Abundant; paratracheal - broad tangential

wavy or straight bands alternating with
fime tracts
Rays
Broad to very broad, widely spaced
Properties
Colour
Creamy white to pale yellowish-brown,

sapwood and heartwood not distinct
Hardness
Weight
Light, 51 5 kg/m 3 a t 12% m.c.
Grain

coarse
43
Strcngth
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Compression
parallel to grain
Modulus
Modulus
of
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
cm
kg/cm 2
31,400
43,000
53
23
121.2
227.1
257.8
364.3
Max. crushing
stress
Processing
Drying
Working properties
Green conversion and open stacking under

cover recommended
Shrinkage
Green to oven-dry
Radial
3.4%
Ta n g e n t i a I
8.6%
Easy to s a w and work, difficult to peel
Perishable
Uses
Water scoops and well curbs; low quality

furniture.
31.
C A L O P H Y L L U M E L A T U M Bedd.
(C. tomentosum Sensu T. And.)
Guttiferae
Trade name
poon
Local names
kattu-punna, punnapa
Tree
Very large, about 35 m in height with a

clear bole of 20 m and up t o 150 crn in
diameter
Bark ye I low ish bro w n , t h ick, with very
long, wavy vertical fissures
Distribution
West coast tropical evergreen, Southern

hill-top tropical evergreen and West coast
44
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels
Large to medium, few, mostly solitary,

arranged in radial or oblique chains; often
filled with deposits and tyloses
Parenchyma
Apotracheal - narrow tangential disconti nuous bands
Rays
Properties
Colour
Sapwood pinkish and heartwood reddishbrown with dark streaks
Hardness
Moderately hard
Moderately heavy, 655 kg/m 3 a t 12:% m.c.
Weight
Grain
Strength
-
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Modu Ius
of
Rupture
kg/cm
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm2
cm
672.2
921 .O
97,700
120,200
74
345.1
51
571.9
Processing
Drying
Working properties
Uses
Compression
parallel to grain
Max. crushing
stress
kg/cm 2
Air-seasoning not difficult. Kiln-seasoning

fairly easy
Shrinkage
Green to oven-dry
Radial
4.9%
Tangential
6.6%
Easy to work, finishes well, takes good
polish
Moderately durable. Heartwood refractory
to treatment
Class I plywood; tea chests; low quality
furniture; blockboards; packing cases and
boxes; poles and cross arms; boat and
shipbuilding; ceiling boards and rafters.
45
32.
CALOPHYLLUM INOPHYLLUM Linn.

Guttif erae
Trade name
poon
Local names
punna, pinna
Tree
Medium, 15-18 m i n height and 65 cm or

more i n diameter
Bark brownish-black w i t h shallow irregular
fissures
Distribution
Coastal areas and along river banks i n

restricted localities
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels
Large to medium, few, exclusively solitary,

appear as radial or oblique chains; ocasionally filled w i t h tyloses and gummy
deposits
Parenchyma
Apotracheal
Rays
Fine t o very fine, distinct as numerous

closely spaced lines
- narrow tangential bands
Properties
Colour
Sapwood pinkish and heartwood reddishbrown w i t h dark lustrous streaks
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Moderately heavy, 705 kg/m 3 at 1 2 % m.c.
Grain
Interlocked; texture coarse
Strength
Static Bending
Impact
Bending
Compression
parallel t o grain
Condition
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Air-dry
765.6
Modulus
Max. crushing
stress
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
cm
kg/cm2
70,300
51 9.6
46
Processing
Drying
Seasons well but liable t o develop short

surface cracks i f sufficient care is not
taken i n stacking. Kiln-seasoning possible
Working properties
Saws without difficulty and works t o a

fine finish, takes good polish
Non-durable
Building construction; flush door shutters
Uses
Class I plywood; tea chests; furniture;

panelling; shipbuilding; cooperage.
33.
CANARIUM STRICTUM Roxb.

Burseraceae
Trade name
white dhup
Local names
ku ndrikam, pa nta-payin, t helli-payi n
Tree
Large t o very large, 20-30 m in height and

Bark pale-grey, rough
Distribution

secondary moist deciduous and Southern
hill- top evergreen forests
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Scarcely distinct
Vessels
Medium. moderately f e w t o few, solitary

or i n radial multiples of 2, 3 or more; often
filled w i t h tyloses and yellowish deposits
Parenchyma
Indistinct; paratracheal
Rays
Moderately broad, rather widely spaced
- scanty
Properties
Colour
Creamy-white t o yellowish-gray; sapwood

and heartwood not distinct, lustrous
Hardness
Moderately hard
47
Weight
Moderalely heavy, 655 kg/m 3 at 12%m c.
Grain
Strength
Static
Condition
Modulus
Of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
666.6
Green
Air-dry
949.3
Bending
Impact
Bending
Compression
Parallel t o grain
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
Max. crushing
stress
cm
kg/cm 2
11 8,600
137,000
79
89
324.7
548.2
Processing
Vertical stacking recommended for airseasoning. Kiln-seasoning gives better
resu Its
Drying
Shrinkage
Working properties
Green to 12% m.c.

Radial
4.8%
Tangent ia I
7.4%
Easy to saw and machine
Perishable
Uses
Flush door shutters; Class II plywood;

furniture; panelling; blockboards; light
packing cases; match splints; pencil slats.
34.
CARALLIA BRACHIATA (Lour.) Merr.

(C. integerrima DC.)
(C. lucida Roxb.)
Rhizophoraceae
Trade name
carallia
Local names
val l a bham, varangu
Tree
Medium to large, 18-25 m i n height and

Bark dark grey, lenticellate
48
West coast semi- evergreen and Myristica
swamp forests
Distribution
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse- porous
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels
Medium, few t o moderately few, solitary,

short radial multiples, oblique and/or in
tangential groups of 2-4; often filled w i t h
tyloses
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - vasicentric or aliform t o

confluent, forming ladder like pattern w i t h
rays
Rays
Very broad, widely spaced; very fine,

closely spaced between the broad rays.
Silvery radial flecks conspicuous
Properties
Colour
Sapwood pale yellow, heartwood reddishyellow to reddish-brown
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Moderately heavy t o
kg/m 3 a t 12% m. c.
Grain
Strength
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Condition
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
91 9.1
1,199.4
Green
Air-dry
heavy,
690-755
Compression
parallel to grain
Max. crushing
stress
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
cm
126,000
141,400
112
97
kg/cm 2
455.2
567.2
Processing
Drying
Green conversion during wet weather

followed by slow drying recommended.
Kiln-seasoning gives moderate results.
Shrinkage
Green t o oven-dry
Radial
2.6%
Tangential
8.8%
49
Easy to saw and work, but difficult to
plane to a smooth surface
Working properties
Fairly durable for interior work, perishable

i n exposed conditions
Uses
Panelling and ornamental work in building

construction; general purpose Class II plywood and veneers; blockboards; low
quality furniture; brushware.
35.
CAREYA ARBOREA Roxb.

Barringtoniaceae
Trade name
Local name
kumbi
pezhu
Tree

Bark dark grey, with shallow cracks, exfoliating in narrow flakes
Distribution
Southern moist mixed deciduous,

Moist teak bearing and Laterite thorn
forests
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels
Large to medium, moderately numerous,

mostly solitary or in radial multiples of
2-4; mostly filled with tyloses
Parenchyma
Predominantly apotracheal - continuous

tangential bands forming reticulum with
rays
Rays
Fine, closely spaced
Properties
Colour
Sapwood pale reddish-white, heartwood

light to dark brownish-red
Hardness
Moderately hard
50
Very heavy, 955 kg/m3 at 12% m.c.
Weight
Grain
Straight; texture medium t o coarse
Strength
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/ cm2
657
1,048
83,700
114,900
Processing
Drying
Compression
parallel to grain
Msx. crushing
stress
cm
kg/cm
62
306
605
76
Very difficult. Kiln-seasoning can be tried

Sawing difficult, but machines fairly well,
finishes to a smooth shiny surface and
takes good polish
Working properties
Very durable
Uses
Building construction; tool handles; poles

and posts; planks for boats and oars.
36. CASSIA FISTULA Linn.

Caesalpiniaceae
Trade name
rajbrikh
Local name
kani- konna
Tree

Bark greenish-grey, smooth when young
and rough when old, exfoliating in hard
scales
Distribution
Southern dry mixed deciduous, Moist teak

bearing and Southern moist mixed deciduous forests
51
Wood
Gross structure
D iffuse-porous
Growth rings
Fairly distinct
Vessels
Large, medium and small, few to moderately few, solitary or i n radial multiples
of 2, 3 or rarely more; often filled with
yellowish-white deposits
Parenchyma
Abundant ;parat rac hea I -vasicentric,oft en

aliform to aliform-confluent and fine lines
Rays
Properties
Colour
Sapwood greyish-white t o light yellowishbrown, heartwood yellowish-red to brick

red or reddish-brown
Hardness
Very hard
Weight
Heavy to very heavy, 835 kg/m 3 a t

12% m.c.
Grain
coarse
Strength
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Compression
parallel to grain
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Max. crushing
stress
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm2
cm
kg/cm2
960.7
1,306.5
11 8,000
161,300
119
117
491 .7
673.7
Processing
Drying
Refractory to
cracks, splits,
and stacking
Shrinkage
seasonings; as it developes
and warps, green conversion
Green t o oven-dry
Radial
5.2 %
Tangential
7.6%
Working properties
Difficult to saw, machining not satisfactory
62
Very durable
Uses
Locally for building construction; ploughhandles; wheels and shafts of carts; turnery;
tool handles; charcoal.
37. CASSIA S I A M E A Lamk.

Caesalpiniaceae
Local names
thagara, manja-konna
Tree

45 cm in diameter
Bark grey smooth, slightly fissured
Distribution
Native of South East Asia; planted as

avenue trees
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse- porous
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels
Large, medium and small, few to moderately few, mostly solitary or in radial multiples; often filled with yellowish-brown
deposits
Parenchyma
Abundant; paratracheal - wavy, more or

less continuous bands enclosing vessels
Rays
Properties
CoIour
Sapwood yeilowish-white to greyishbrown, heartwood dark brown to black

with lighter streaks, lustrous
Hardness
Moderate I y hard to hard
Weight
Heavy to very
12% m. c.
Grain
Slightly interlocked; texture coarse
heavy,
815 kg/m3
at
53
Strength
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Compression
parallel t o grain
Modu Ius
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
cm
kg/cm 2
709.4
866.3
105,000
11 6,500
91
79
433.5
7 12.3
Max. crushing
stress
Processing
Season wel l
Shrinkage
Drying
Green to oven-dry
Radial
5.2%
Ta ngential
7.6%
Not difficult to work with tools, finishes

to a fairly smooth surface and takes good
polish
Working properties
Very durable
Uses
General construction; inlay of furniture;

tool handles; walking sticks.
38. C A S U A R I N A EQUISETIFOLIA
J. R . &
G. Forst.
Casuarinaceae
Trade name
casuarina
Local names
c hu I a - mara m , katt a d i
Tree
Large, up to 30 m in height and about

40 cm in diameter
Bark brown, rough, fibrous, peels off in
vertical strips
Native of Andamans and South East Asia
cultivated extansively
Wood
Gross structure
Dif fuse-porous
54
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels
Medium to small, mostly solitary, rarely

in two, arranged diagonally; often filled
with gummy deposits
Parenchyma
Apotracheal -. diffuse, short to continuous bands, one or t w o cells wide
Rays
Fine to very fine, fairly close spaced
Properties
Colour
Sapwood pale brown,

reddish-brown
heartwood dark
Hardness
Hard to very hard
Weight
Heavy to very heavy, 975 kg/m 3 at

12% m. c .
Grain
Strength
Static
Bending
Impact
Bending
Compression
Parallel to grain
Condition
Green
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm2
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
Max. crushing
stress
cm
732
1 14,400
124
kg/cm 2
327
Processing
Drying
Refractory to seasoning; due to severe

deep splits, green conversion followed by
close stacking under cover recommended
Working properties
Difficult to saw and

fine polish
work,
but takes
Non-durable in exposed conditions and

i n contact with ground, moderately durable under cover and i n contact with
water. Heartwood only partially treatable.
Uses
Poles and beams for temporary construction; fuel wood.
55
39. CEIBA PENTANDRA (Linn.) Gaertn.

(Eriodendron anfractuosum DC )
Bombacaeeae
Trade name
kapok
Local names
panji-ilavu, panya
Tree

a clear bole of 1 2 m and about 50 cm in
diameter
Bark greyish- brown, green when young
Distribution
Native of Tropical America and Africa;

often grown in homesteads and in
plantations
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Scarcely distinct
Vessels
Large to moderately large, very few to

few, mostly solitary or in radial multiples
of two or more; usuallv filled with tyloses
Parenchyma
Predominantly apotracheal -fairly distinct,

showing poorly developed reticulum and
also concentric bands delimiting growth
rings
Rays
Fine to moderately broad, rather widely

spaced, showing flecks on radial surface
Properties
Colour
Greyish-white or greyish-brown, sapwood

and heartwood not distinct, somewhat
lustrous
Hardness
Very soft t o soft
Weight
Very light to light, 210 kg/m3, air-dry
Grain
56
Strength
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Compression
parallel to grain
Condition
Green
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
Max. crushing
stress
cm
136.0
23,000
18
kg/cm2
61
Processing
Drying
Quick conversion and air- or kiln-seasoning gives satisfactory results
Working properties
Easy to work
Non-durable
Uses
Catamarams; match splints and boxes;

light packing cases.
40.
CHLOROXYLON SWIETENIA DC.

Rutaceae
Trade name
satinwood
Local name
vari-maram
Tree
Medium, about 15 m i n height and up to

50 cm in diameter
Bark rough, yellowish, corky
Distribution
Southern dry mixed deciduous forest in

Central Kerala
Wood
Gross structure
Diff use-porous
Growth rings
Distinct
Vessels
Small to very small, numerous to very

numerous, solitary or i n radial multiples
of 2-6 or more, rarely i n clusters; filled
with yellowish or brownish deposits
5'7
- diffuse, initial concentric
Parenchyma
Apotracheal
bands
Rays
Gum canals
Vertical, occasionally present
Properties
Colour
Creamy yellow to golden yellow with satin

lusture, sapwood and heartwood not distinct
Hardness
Hard to very hard
Weight
Heavy to very heavy, 960 kg/m 3 a t 12% m c.
Grain
Straight to interlocked; texture. fine
Strengt h
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Compression
parallel to grain
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm2
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm2
865.5
1,272.3
11 5,400
151,900
Max. crushing
stress
cm
kg / cm2
99
478.9
794. 5
86
Processing
Drying
Conversion and seasoning during rainy

season recommended.
Kiln seasoning
possible with little degradation
Shrinkage
Green t o 12% m.c.
Radial
5.1 %
Tangent ia I
6.5%
Working properties
Difficult to saw, machining not satisfactory
Non-durable. (Reported to be very durable - Pearson & Brown, 1932)
Uses
Bridge and building construction; ploughs;

axles; cabinets and furniture; turnery;
interior decorative work; mathematical
instruments.
58
41.
CHUKRASIA TABULARIS A. JUSS.

Meliaceae
Trade name
c h ickrassy
Local name
mal lei-vepu
Tree
Large, up to 25 m i n height and about

80 cm in diameter
Bark dark brown, deeply cracked
Distribution
Sporadic i n West coast semi-evergreen

and Southern moist mixed deciduous
forests
Wood
Gross structure
Diff use-porous
Growth rings
Distinct
Vessels
Small, moderately few to moderately numerous, solitary or i n radial multiples of

2 or 3; filled with orange coloured
deposits
Parenchyma
Abundant; brown to reddish-brown; paratracheal vasicentric, concentric lines delimiting growth rings
Rays
Light reddish-brown; fine t o very fine,

fairly close spaced
Gum canals
Vertical,
present
traumatic
gum canals
often
Properties
Colour
Sapwood greyish or yellowish-white and

heartwood yellowish-brown to dark brown,
lustrous
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Grain
Straight to interlocked; texture fine
59
Strength
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Co mp ressio n
parallel to grain
Condition
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm
589.6
866.1
Green
Air-dry
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm2
83,500
1 13,100
Max. crushing
stress
cm
kg/cm
71
94
508.6
284.5
Processing
Drying
Moderately refractory to air-seasoning.

Kiln-seasoning not difficult
Shrinkage
Green to 12% m.c,
Radial
3.9%
Tangential
6.0%
Working properties
Sawing not difficult, machines fairly weli,

can be brought to a fine finish and takes
an excellent polish. Peels w e l l
uses
Beams and posts for construction; Class I

plywood; decorative plywood; panelling;
marine plywood; cabinets and furniture;
turnery and toys; dobby barrels and
bobbins in textile mills.
NAMOMUM VERUM J. S. Presl

(C. zeylanicum B/.)
Lauraceae
Trade name
Local names
cinnamon
vayana, karuva, elavangam
Tree

Bark reddish-brown, soft, with numerous
small warts
60
Distribution

Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels
Medium to small, moderately numerous to

numerous, mostly solitary or in radial
multiples of 2-4; occasionally in double
rows or clusters; often filled with tyloses
Parenchyma
Paratracheal
Rays
Fine, fairly close spaced, forming silvery

radial flecks
Pith flecks
Often present
- vasicentric
Properties
Colour
Light greyish-brown with a faint olive

tinge to yellowish-brown. Sapwood and
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Moderately heavy, 575 kg/m 3 at 12% m. c,
Grain
Straight to somewhat wavy; texture

medium to coarse
Processing
Drying
Green conversion recommended
Working properties
Somewhat difficult to work the seasoned

wood.
Does not finish to a smooth
surface
Non-durable
Uses
Packing cases; could be used for blockboards.
61
43.
COCOS NUCIFERA Linn.

Palmae
Trade name
coconut paIm
Local name
thengu
Tree
A t a l l palm reaches to a height of about

20 m and is approximately 25 cm i n
diameter
Bark smooth with prominent annulate leaf
scars
Distribution
Cultivated extensively
Wood
Gross structure
The unbranched cylindrical stem consists

of parenchymatous sclerotic ground tissue
with numerous fibro-vascular bundles
which are widely scattered in the central
region and densely distributed in the
peripheral zone. Vessels are large. Cells
containing silica are abundant in the
ground tissue
Properties
Colour
Red towards periphery and reddish- brown

towards centre
Hardness
Outer portion very hard and inner soft
Grain
Interlocked; texture medium to fine
Weight
Very heavy, 946 kg/m 3 (green);

761 kg/m3 (Kiln-dry)
(Peripheral)
Strength
Static
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Bending
Impact
Bending
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cma
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cmZ
cm
460
666
73,400
93,800
41
65
62
Condition
Green
Kiln-dry
Compression parallel to grain

Compressive
stress at
elastic limit
kg/cm 2
Max.
crushing
stress
kg/cm 2
Modulus
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
Compressive
stress at
elastic limit
kg/cm 2
249
293
380
502
120,700
146,900
68
94
Shear parallel
t o grain
of
Tension perpendicular
t o grain
Condition
Green
Kiln-dry
..
Shearing stress
kg/cm 2
Tensile stress
kg/cm 2
66.9
80.9
19.7
16.4
Processing
Drying
Sizes up t o 5 0 mm thick can be air-dried

under cover.
Can be successfully dried
i n a solar kiln. Slick weighting is advised
t o minimise possible drying distortions.
For better economy i n solar kiln-drying
preliminary a i r - drying t o about 60% moisture content would be advisable
Working properties
Sawing difficult Teeth gets blunted after

a few cuts. The use of tungsten carbidetipped saws (or stellite-tipped or inlaid
teeth) would overcome basic sawing problems but can increase problems of saw
maintenance. C a n be brought to a srnooth
surface and takes good polish
Perishable when exposed t o weather or in

ground contact; preservative treatment
essential.
Debarking extremely difficult
but it is necessary for treatment by conventional method. Wood must be partially
air-dried under cover before treatment.
Provided the outer zones are well dried, a
good retention and distribution can be
63
achieved with creosote by hot and cold
process and copper chrome-arsenate by
vacuum/pressure. Pressure sap displacement is an attractive method for treating
freshly-felled, unbarked
logs and it
appears possible to achieve a satisfactory
retention and distribution of waterborne
preservative by this system
Rafters, poles, posts and other constructional items; tool handles; walking sticks;
wooden bowls and vases; fancy work and
curio items; saw dust can be used in the
manufacture of cement based building
bricks; can be used in decorative furniture.
Uses
44. CORDIA DICHOTOMA Forst.f.

(C.myxa
non Linn )
Boraginaceae
Local name
viri
Tree
Medium, about 12 m i n height and up t o

40 cm in diameter
Bark grey or brown, rough with shallow,
longitudinal furrows
Distribution
Occasional i n Moist teak bearing and

Southern dry mixed deciduous forests
Wood
Gross structure
Semi-ring-porous
Growth rings
Distinct
Vessels
Very large to large, few, mostly solitary

or occasionally i n radial or oblique multiples of two or more in clusters
Parenchyma
Predominantly apotracheal - tangential

bands alternating with fine fibre tracts
Rays
Moderately broad, fairly close spaced
64
Properties
Colour
Yellow t o olive-grey and greyish-brown

on exposure. Sapwood and heartwood
not distinct
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Grain
Straight to shallowly interlocked; texture

coarse
Processing
Drying
Reported to season well
Working properties
Easy to saw, works t o a smooth finish

and takes good polish
Moderately durable
Uses
Class Ill plywood; building construction;

packing cases and boxes; low quality
furniture.
45,
CULLENIA EXARILLATA Robyns

(C.excelsa Wight)
Bombacaceae
Trade name
karani
Local names
mullen-pali, mullen-chakka, vedipila
Tree

a clear bole up to 15 m and about 95 cm
in diameter; often buttressed
Bark greyish-white, smooth, thick
Distribution
West coast tropical evergreen and Southern hill-top tropical evergreen forests
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Indistinct
65
Vessels

few, mostly solitary or i n radial multiples
of 2 , 3 rarely 4or more; occasionally filled
with redd is h-brown d eposits
Parenchyma
Light brown, mostly apotracheal - diffuse,

fine concentric often interrupted lines,
forming reticulum w i t h rays
Rays
Very fine to moderately broad, forming

reddish-brown flecks o n the radiai surface,
somewhat closely spaced
Properties
Colour
Gray to brown w i t h pinkish tinge.

Sapwood and heartwood not distinct,
lustrous when freshly cut
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Light to moderately heavy, 51 0 - 6 2 5 kg/m 3

at 12% m.c.
Grain
Strength
St r aight ; texture medium
Static Bending
Condition
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
J
736.8
1,061.8
Green
Air-dry
__-____
Impact
Bending
___________________
M od ulus
Max. crushing
stress
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
124,300
145,800
Processing
Drying
cm
kg/cm 2
74
361.2
571.1
89
Kiln-seasoning gives good results. Green

conversion and open stacking also satisfactory
Sh r inkag e
Working properiies
Compression
parallel to grain
Green to
Radial
Tangential
oven-dry
4.3%
6.9%
Sawing and peeling satisfactory, machining good

Perishable in exposed conditions, fairly
dutable under cover. Heart wood treatable
but complete penetration not always
obtained
66
Flush door shutters; Class II plywood;
blockboards; furniture; tool handles; textile mill accessories.
Uses
46.
DALBERGIA LANCEOLARIA Linn. f.

Papilionaceae
Local name
vel la-veetti
Tree

50 cm i n diameter
Bark grey, smooth, flakes off in round
scales
Distribution
Southern moist mixed deciduous forest
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels
Large, medium and small, few, solitaryar in

radial multiples of 2, 3 or 4
Parenchyma
Apotracheal - diffuse, diffuse--in-aggregate
Rays
Fine t o very fine, closely spaced
Properties
Colour
Yellowish or greyish-white t o brown,

Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Moderately heavy to heavy,

kg/m 3 , air-dry
Grain
Straight to interlocked;
t o coarse
Processing
Drying
620-770
texture medium
Liable to develop heart-shake;

green
Not difficult
conversion recommended.
t o season
67
Not difficult to saw and work
Working properties
No n - dur able
Uses
Light packing cases; carts and carriages;

temporary construction.
47.
DALBERGIA LATIFOLIA Roxb.

Papilionaceae
Trade name
rosewood
Local name
veeti
Tree

u p to 130 c m in diameter
Bark grey w i t h cracks, peels off i n thin
flakes
Distribution
West coast semi-evergreen, Moist teak

bearing and Southern secondary moist
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous, rarely w i t h a tendency to
semi- ring -porous
Growth rings
Scarcely distinct
Vessels
Large to small, few to moderately numerous, solitary or often i n short radial

multiples; occasionally filled w i t h gummy
deposits
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - aliform to confluent and

banded, also fine or interrupted lines
Rays
Fine to very fine, visible only under lens,

numerous, closely spaced
Properties
Colour
Sapwood pale yellowish- white w i t h pinkish tinge and heartwood purplish-brown

w i t h black or red streaks, colour uniform
68
Grain

medium
Hardness
Hard
Weight
Heavy, 815 kg/m3 at 12% m.c.
Strength
Static Bending
Condition
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm2
845
943
Green
Air-dry
Impact Bending
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm2
cm
92,700
101,700
114
112
Co m i press io n per pe n d i-
Compression parallel
to grain
cular to grain
Condition
Green
Air - dry
Compressive
stress a t
elastic limit
kg/cm 2
Max.
crushing
stress
kg/cm 2
Modulus
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
Compressive stress
a t elastic
limit
kg/cm2
242
29 2
41 8
48 6
105,700
105,300
113
127
of
Tension perpendic u I a r
to giain
Shear parallel
to grain
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Radial
kg/cm2
Tangential
kg/cm2
Radial
kg/cm2
Tangent i a I
kg/cm2
104
99
108
156
72
78
36
Working properties
33
Works comparatively easy with hand and

machine, can be brought to a fine finish
and takes good polish. Peels and slices
well and very thin veneers can be obtained
69
Processing
Offers no difficulty i n seasoning, if carefully stacked under cover. Can be kilnseasoned without difficulty
Drying
Shrinkage
Green t o oven-dry
2.3%
Radial
Tangential
5.6%
Very durabie, sapwood perishable but

readily treatable w i t h complete penetration
Uses
One of the best k n o w n Indian timber for

high class furniture and cabinets; construction of buildings; flush door shutters;
Class I plywood; decorative plywood; aircraft plywood; marine plywood for face
veneers; tool handles; artificial limbs and
rehabi Iitation aids; textile mill accessories;
chess pieces, discus and carrom draughts;
musical instruments; engineering instruments: bentwood articles; handicrafts.
48. DALBERGIA PANICULATA Roxb.

Papilionaceae
Local names
painganni, pachila-maram
Tree

u p to 50 cm i n diameter
Bark whitish-grey, smooth, thin
Distribution
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse -porous
Growth rings
Scarcely distinct
Vessels
Medium to small, moderately few t o few,

solitary or in radial multiples of 2 or 3
Parenchyma
Abundant; predominantly paratracheal aliform-confluent, bands and fine lines

70
Rays
Included phloem
Distinct
Properties
Colour
Yellowish or greyish-white to brown,

Hardness
Weight
Light
to
moderately
heavy, 51 0-735
kg, m 3 , air-dry
Straight; texture medium to coarse
Grain
Non-durable
Uses
Timber falls to pieces when sawn, due to

separation in the region of included phloem
and is therefore of little use.
49. DALBERGlA SISSOIDES* Grah. ex Wight 2

3 Arn.
Papilionaceae
Trade name
malabar blackwood
Local name
veeti
Tree
Medium to large, 15-25 m in height and

Bark pale brown
Distribution
West coast semi evergreen, Moist teak

Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels
Large to small, few to moderately few,

often unevenly distributed, solitary or
in short radial multiples; occasionally filled
with white or dark gummy deposits
In trade not distinguished from Dalbergia
latifolia Roxb.
71
Parenchyma
Abundant; paratracheal - vasicentric t o

aliform, aliform-confluent forming wavy
irregular [ines; apotracheal - diffuse or
diffuse-in-aggregates
Rays
Properties
Colour
Sapwood yellowish-white, heartwood

light purplish-brown to deep purple with
dark brown streaks, without tint of red
as i n D. latifolia
Hardness
Hard
Weight
Heavy to very
12% m.c.
Grain

medium
heavy,
770 kg/m 3
at
Strength
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Compression
parallel t o grain
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Modulus
727.7
832.7
73,500
99,500
Max. crushing
stress
of
Elasticity
kg/cm
cm
132
107
kg/cm 2
325.9
452.1
Processing
Drying

recommended. Kiln-seasoning offers no
difficulty
Shrinkage
Green to oven dry
Radial
3 1%
Tangential
6.1%
Working properties
Works comparatively easy w i t h hand and

machine, can be brought to a fine finish
and takes good polish. Peels and slices
well and very thin veneers can be obtained
Very durable
72
High class furniture and cabinets; Class I
plywood for general purpose; ornamental
and decorative plywood; aircraft and marine plywood; blockboards; constructionwork, especially for doors; panelling,
heavy duty striking tools of quality; cutlery handles; musical instruments; boat and
shipbuilding;
textile mill accessories;
carrom draughts, clubs and chess pieces;
mathematical
e ng i neer ing and drawing
instruments; shoe-lasts,
Uses
lLLENlA INDlC
Dilleniaceae
Trade name
dillenia
Local name
syalita
Tree
Medium to large, 15-25 m in height w i t h

a clear bole of 6 m and about 60 cm in
diameter
Bark reddish-brown, smooth, peels off in
smali flakes
Distribution
West coast tropical evergreen forest in

North Kerala
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Fairly distinct
Vessels
Large to medium, moderately few to moderately numerous, mostly solitary, occasiI onally in tangential or oblique pairs;
sometimes filled w i t h tyloses and white
deposits
Parenchyma
Apotracheal - - diffuse, usually indistinct,

sometimes appear as white dots
Rays
Broad to moderately broad, widely spaced;

fine to very fine, closely spaced among
the broad rays
73
Properties
Colour
Sapwood yellowish-brown,
light brown
heartwood
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Moderately heavy, 640 kg/m 3 a t 1 2 %m.c.
Grain
Twisted t o interlocked; texture coarse
Strength
Static Bending
Condition
Modu Ius
M odu I us
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
Impact
Bending
Cornpression
parellel t o grain
Max crushing
stress
cm
kg/cm2
71
292
438
_
1
_
-
602.6
947 9
Green
Air-dry
36,100
11.950
79
Processing
Drying
Moderately refractory t o air-seasoning

K i In -seasoning easy
Shrinkage
Green to oven-dry
Radial
3.2%
Tangential
8.7%
Working properties
Easy to saw when green. Difficult to work

w i t h seasoned wood, does not take fine
polish. Can be peeled after boiling in
water
Non-durable.
treatm e n t
Uses
General construction-work, after treatment;

flush door shutters; Class I plywood; tea
chests; furniture; blockboards; tool handles.
74
51.
DlLLENlA PENTAGYNA Roxb.

Dilleniaceae
Trade name
Local names
Tree
dillenia
maIa mpunna, vaz ha - p u nna
Medium, 15-20 m in height and 50-80 cm
in diameter
Bark greyish-brown, smooth, peels off i n
thick round flakes
Southern moist mixed deciduous, Moist
teak bearing and Southern secondary
moist mixed deciduous forests
Distribution
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse- porous
Fairly distinct
solitary or in tangential and oblique pairs;
occasionally filled with tyloses and
deposits
Aporracheal - diffuse, usually indistinct,
sometimes appear as white dots
fine to very fine, closely spaced among
the broad rays
Growth rings
Vessels
Parenchyma
Rays
Properties
Colour
Sapwood yellowish-brown, heartwood

reddish-brown with greyish tinge
Moderately hard
Hardness
Weight
Grain
Strength
Static Bending
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Impact
Bending
C omp r ess ion

parallel to grain
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm2
Max. crushing
stress
cm
kg/cm 2
591.5
803.3
75,700
95,500
56
74
285.0
514.6
75
Processing
Drying
Mode r at e I y refr a ct o ry to a i r-. sea so ning .

Kiln-seasoning not difficult
Shrinkage
Green to oven-dry
Radial
3.0%
Tangential
7.5%
Working properties
Easy to saw when green, does not give a

smooth finish
Perishable. Heartwood refractory to treatment

Building construction; Class I plywood;
Uses
tea chests; furniture and cabinets; charcoal
(due to high calorific value).
52.
DIOSPYROS E B E N U M Koenig
Ebenaceae
Trade name
ebony
Local name
kar imaram
Tree
Small to medium, occasionally attains a

height of 20 m and about 40 cm in diameter
Bark dark grey with longitudinal fissures
Distribution
Sporadic in West coast semi -evergreen

forest
wood
Gross structure
D iff use -.poro us
Growth rings
lndist inct
Vessels
Small, few to moderately few, solitary or

in radial multiples of 2 or 3; filled with
brownish-black or black gum
Parenchyma
Apotracheal
lines
Rays
- fine undulating tangential
76
Properties
Colour
Sapwood light yellowish-grey t o grey,

heartwood jet-black
Hardness
Very hard
Weight
Very heavy, 1 150 kg/m3 a t 12% m.c.
Grain
Straight to somewhat irregularly

texture fine
wavy;
Processing
Drying
Liable t o develop long, fine, deep cracks

i f cut to wide sections; green conversion
t o small size and stacking under cover
rec o mmended
Working properties
Not difficult to saw and work can be finished to a fine shiny smooth surface and
takes good polish
Durable.
Uses
Cutlery handles; dobby lags and pegs i n

textile mills; mathematical, engineering
and drawing instruments; walking sticks;
swagger slicks; handicrafts and carvings.
53.
Refractory t o treatment
DIPTEROCARPUS BOURDILLONl
Brandis
Dipterocarpaceae
Trade name
gurjan
Local names
karanjili, charatta anjili
Tree
Very large, u p t o 45 m in height and about

120 cm in diameter
Bark greyish-brown, smooth
Distribution

Central and South Kerala
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Indistinct
77
Large t o medium, few lo moderately nurnerous, mostly solitary; often filled w i t h
Vessels
tyloses
Parenchyma
Apotracheai -- diffuse l o very short tangential lines; paratracheal - vasicentric,

fairly conspicuous around resin ducts
Rays
Moderately broad to fine, widely spaced;

siicious deposits present
Resin ducts
Vertical ducts occasionally present
Properties
Colour
Sapwood whitish t o pale yellowish-brown,

heartwood pale red t o reddish-brown
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Moderateiy heavy, 705 kg/m 3 at 12% m.c.
Grain
Strength
Straight lo interiocked; texture coarse
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
C omp ress io n
parallei to grain
Condition
.-
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Green
Air-dry
Modulus
Max crushing
stress
Of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
678
127,100
1,051
156,200
cm
kg/cm 2
74
89
312
581
Processing
Drying
Air-seasoning easy.
icult
Shrinkage
Working properties
Kiln-seasoning diffGreen to oven-drv

Radial
4.5 %
9.6%
Tangentia I
Easy to saw and machine, finishes to a

smooth surface. Screw and nail holding
capacity satisfactory. Peels w e l l
Fairly durable.
Uses
Building and bridge construction; Class I

plywood for general purposes; poles and
cross arms; railway sleepers; boat and
shipbuilding; carts and carriages.
Readily treatable
78
54.
DIPTEROCARPUS INDICUS Bedd

Dipterocarpaceae
Trade name
gurjan
Local names
kal payi n, vel la- ayini
Tree
Very large, up t o 37 m i n height w i t h a

clear bole of '1 5-20 m and about 120 cm
i n diameter
Bark pale, smooth, deeply cracked when
old
Distribution

Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels
Large t o medium, few to moderately

numerous, mostly solitary; occasionally
filled w i t h tyloses and reddish-brown resin
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - vasicentric; apotracheal diffuse-in-aggregate as short lines in

between rays, abundant around resin ducts
Rays
Few, moderately broad to fino, fairly close

spaced, w i t h reddish brown contents
Resin ducts
Vertical vesin ducts common, in short tangential rows of 2 -6 or often solitary;

occasionally filled w i t h white deposits
Properties
Colour
Sapwood greyish- white to pale brownishwhite, heartwood greyish to reddishbrown, sapwood arid heartwood not well
demarcated
Hardness
Moderately hard t o hard
Weigh t
Moderately heavy
kg/m 3 at 12% m.c.
Grain
Fairly straight t o somewhat interlocked or

irregular; texture coarse
l o heavy, 705-900
79
Strength
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Compression
parallel t o grain
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
789
1,245
162,900
71
41 1
201,400
112
725
Processing
Drying
Working properties
Max. crushing
stress
cm
kg/cm 2
Moderately easy t o air-seasoning.

Kilnseasoning difficult
Shrinkage
Green to oven-dry
Radial
6.0%
Tangential
11.4%
Easy t o work w i t h machine and hand
tools, does not turn t o a smooth surface.
Peels well. Shows an attractive grain
when quarter sawn.
Screw and nail
holding capacity satisfactory
Moderately durable. Heartwood treatable

but complete penetration not always
obtained
Uses
Construction purposes like beams, ceiling,

floor boards; bridge construction; Class I
plywood and veneers; poles and crossarms; railway sleepers; boat and shipbuilding; cart and carriages.
55. DY SOXY LUM BI NECTAR IFERUM (Roxb. ) Hook.f, ex Bedd.

Meliaceae
Local names
Tree
akil, karagil
Medium, up t o 15 m i n height and about
30 cm i n diameter
Bark grey w i t h wrinkles, often peels off i n
papery flakes
80
Distribution
West coast semi-evergreen forest in North

and Central Keraia
Wood
Gross structure
D iff u se-poro us
Growth rings
Distinct
Vessels
Small to very small, moderately few, solitary or i n radial multiples of 2-4; frequently
filled with yellowish-brown deposits
Parenchyma
Abundant; paratracheal -- wavy bands

alternating with fibre tracts concentric
lines delimiting growth rings a n d also
aliform confluent
Rays
Proper ties
Colour
Sapwood pale greyish- yellow, heartwood

pink or reddish-grey
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Moderately heavy, 700 kg/m 3 air- dry
Grain
Straight to broadly
moderately fine
Processing
Drying
Air- and kiln -seasoning not difficult, green

conversion and immediate seasoning pref e n ed
Working properties
Easy to saw, machining not difficult, can
be brought to a fairly smooth surface and

takes good polish
Mode ra te ly durable
Uses
Furniture and cabinets; plywood; mathematical, engineering and drawing instruments; vats and casks.
81
56.
DYSOXYLUM FlClFORME (Wight) Gamble

( D . purpureum Bourd )
Meliaceae
Local name
karak iI
Tree
Large, reaches to a height of 30 m and up

to 100 cm in diameter
Bark pale grey, smooth
Distribution
West coast tropical evergreen forest,

mostly confined to South Kerala
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Distinct
Vessels
Small to very small, moderately few, solitary or in radial multiples of 2-4; frequently
filled with yellowish-brown deposits
Parenchyma
Abundant; paratracheal - wavy bands and

also aliform to aliform-confluent
Rays
Proper ties
Colour
Sapwood greyish-yellow, heartwood pink

or reddish-grey
Hardness
Hard
Weight
Moderately heavy to heavy, 730 kg/m

12% m.c.
Grain
Straight to broadly
medium to fine
Processing
Drying
Working properties
at
Air and kiln-seasoning not difficult

Easy to saw and work with machine, can
be brought to a fairly good finish
Durable
Uses
Furniture; turnery
boxes.
and
carvings;
cigar
82
57.
DYSOXYLUM MALABARICUM Bedd. ex Hiern

Meliaceae
Trade name
white cedar
Local names
vel la-agi I, aki I
Tree
Very large, up to 35 m i n height and

60-90 cm in diameter
Bark grey with white warts
Distribution
Wood
Gross structure
D iff use-porous
Growth rings
Distinct
Vessels
Small, moderately numerous, solitary or

in radial multiples of 2 or 3; usually filled
with yellowish-brown deposits
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - vasicentric, forming a thin

sheath around vessels and in bands delimiting growth rings
Rays
Properties
Fine, numerous and closely spaced
Colour
Sapwood whitish or greyish-yellow,

heartwood yellow to golden yellow or
yellowish- brown
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Grain
Moderately heavy,720 kg/m
at 12% m.c.

fine
Strength
Static Bending
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Impact
Bending
Compression
parallel to grain
Max. crushing
stress
Modulus
of
Rupture
2
kg/cm
Modulus
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
cm
kg/cm 2
661.2
1,81.6
109,200
141,300
104
107
318.8
620.5
of
83
Processing
Drying
Easy to season. Green conversion and

quick stacking recommended
Shrinkage
Green t o oven-dry
4.7%
Radial
Tangential
8.1%
Working properties
Easy to saw and machine, takes good

polish
Very durable
Uses
Building construction; decorative panelling; aircraft plywood; furniture and

cabinets; tool handles; artificial limbs and
rehabilitation aids; textile mill accessories;
coorperage; chess pieces; mathematical
and engineering instruments.
58. ELAEOCARPUS RECURVATUS Corner

[E. ferrugineus (Wt.) Steud.]
Elaeocarpaceae
Local name
c ho la - r udraks ham
Tree
Medium, about 15 m in height and 30-40

cm i n diameter
Distribution
Confined to the Southern hill-top tropical

evergreen forest
Wood
Gross structure
Diff use-porous
Growth rings
Scarcely distinct
Vessels
Medium to small, moderately few to numerous, solitary or in radial multiples of 2-4

or more, up to 7; often sparsely filled with
tyloses
Parenchyma
Fairly distinct, paratracheal
- fine,
more
or less continuous lines delimiting growth

rings
84
Medium to fine, widely spaced: very -fine,

closely spaced
Often present
Rays
Pith flecks
Properties
Colour
Sapwood greyish-white, heartwood ye1lowish to pale brownish-grey, somewhat

lustrous
Hardness
Weight
Light t o moderately heavy, 550 kg/m 3 , airdry

Straight to somewhat wavy; texture medium to fine
Grain
Processing
Drying
Not difficult to season, but liable to endcracks; green conversion and open stacking
Working properties
Non-durable
Uses
Packing cases and boxes; plywood; match

splints.
59. ELAEOCAFQPUSTUBERCULATUS Roxb.

Elaeocarpaceae
Trade name
rudrak
Local names
rudraksham, kara
Large, up t o 25 m i n height and about 65
cm in diameter; buttressed
Bark dark coloured, mottled, yellowish
inside
Tree
Distribution
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Scarcely distinct
Medium to small, moderately

erous, solitary or in radial
Vessels
few to nummultiples of
2-4; often filled with tyloses
Parenchyma
Indistinct
Rays

very fine, closely spaced among broad rays
Properties
Colour
Sapwood white, heartwood light greyishbrown to light brown, lustrous
Hardness
Soft
Weight
Light, 465 kg/m3 a t 12% m.c.
Grain
Interiocked; texture fine
Strength
Static
Bending
Impact
Bending
Compression
parallel to grain
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm2
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
Max. crushing
stress
cm
kg/cm2
483.7
656.9
87,400
98,600
58
50
253.0
381.1
Processing
Drying
Not difficult to season, green conversion

and open stacking under cover recommended. Kiln-seasoning not difficult
Shrinkage
Green t o 12% m.c.
Radial
3.1 %
Tangential
6.1%
Working properties
Easy t o saw. Peels well; gluing satisfactory
Non- durable in exposed conditions, fairly

ourable under cover
Uses
Building construction; packing cases; plywood; match splints; pencil slats.
86
60. EMBLICA OFFICINALIS Gaertn.

(Phyllanthus emblica Linn.)
Euphorbiaceae
Trade name
amla
Local name
nelli
Tree
Small to medlum, 8-18 m in height and

Bark light grey, thin, exfoliating in small
thin irregular flakes
Distribution
Southern moist mixed deciduous, Southern

dry mixed deciduous and Moist teak bearing forests
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels
Medium to small, moderately few, solitary

or in radial multiples of 2 or 3, often in
clusters; usually filled with reddish-brown
deposits
Parenchyma
Indistinct
Rays
Moderately broad t o broad, closely spaced,

radial flecks distinct
Properties
Hardness
Reddish, often with purplish tinge, sapwood and heartwood not distinct
Hard
Weight
Heavy, 785 kg/m3 at 12% m.c.
Grain
Irregularly interlocked to wavy; texture

coarse
Colour
Processing
Drying
Working properties
Somewhat difficult; green conversion and

stacking during or after rainy season recommended
Easy to saw and planes to a fairly smooth
surface
Moderately durable, very durable under

water
Uses
Minor construction-work; well curbs.
87
61. ERYTHRINA STRICTA Roxb.

Papilionaceae
Trade name
coral tree
Local names
murukku, mullu-murukku
Tree

65 cm in diameter
Bark yellowish or greenish-grey, corky,
w i t h pale green prickles on young trees
Distribution
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels
Very large t o small, few to very few, solitary or i n radial multiples o f 2 or 3
Parenchyma
Abundant, paratracheal - straight or wavy

broad tangential bands alternating with
fibre tracts
Rays
Broad t o very broad, widely spaced
Properties
Colour
Creamy white to greyish-white, sapwood

Hardness
Soft
Weight
Very light to
Grain
Straight; texture very coarse
light, 240-470 kg/m 3 , air-dry
Processing
Drying
Air-seasoning easy; green conversion and

open stacking in piles recommended
Working properties
Easy t o work but does not give good finish
Perishable
Uses
Lacquer boxes; picture frames; toys; domestic appliances; insulator boards; match
splints.
88
62.
ERYTHROXYLUM MONOGYNUM Roxb.

Erythroxylaceae
Trade name
bastard sandal
Local name
vel la-devadharam
Tree
Small, up to 8 m in height and about 15

cm in diameter
Distribution
Southern dry mixed deciduous and Laterite

thorn forests
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Scarcely distinct
Vessels
Small to very small, moderately numerous

to numerous, solitary or in radial multiples
of 2 or 3, occasionally up to 6, mostly in
radial or oblique clusters; often filled with
tyloses
Parenchyma
Apotracheal
Rays
- diffuse,
usually indistinct
Properties
Colour
Sapwood creamy white or pale brown and

heartwood reddish-brown
Odour
Heartwood with pleasant odour
Hardness
Very hard
Weight
Heavy to very heavy, 1000 kg/m3, air-dry
Grain
Interlocked; texture fine t o very fine
Processing
Working properties
Uses
Easy t o work and takes good polish

Posts and poles; agricultural implements;
turnery articles. Oil extracted from wood is
used in preserving country boats.
89
63. EUCALYPTUS GRANDIS Hill ex Maid.

Myrtaceae
Trade names
rose gum, flooded gum
Local names
eucalyptus, eucali
Tree
Large, about 30 m i n height and 40-50 crn

i n diameter
Bark whitish or ash coloured, s m o o t h
Distribution
Native of Australia, extensiveiy raised in

plantations
Wood
Gross structure
D iffuse-porous
Growth rings
Indistinct or scarcely distinct
Vessels
Large to medium moderately few; mostly

solitary, sometimes in oblique alignment;
tyloses sparse t o
ant kino-like deposits sparse of absent
Parenchyma
Sparse to abundant apotracheal - diffuse;

crystals sometimes present kino like deposits moderatley
abundant t o absent
Fine closeiy spaced; kino-like

abundant
deposits
Colour
Sapwood p i n k is h , hea r twood

brown to reddish- brown
pinkish
Hardness
Weight
Moderately heavy to heavy, 740 kg/m 3

air-d ry
Rays
Properties
Processing
Drying
Seasoning difficult; liable to warp and

crack
Working properties

Uses
Non-durable
Mainly for pulping; suitable for packing
cases and boxes; crates, beams, columns,

poles and posts.
90
64.
EUCALYPTUS TERETICORNIS Sm.

Myrtaceae
Trade names
Local names
Tree
mysore gum, eucalyptus hybrid

eucalyptus, eucali
Large, about 25 m i n height and 40 cm in
diameter
Bark whitish or ash coloured, smooth
Distribution
Native of Australia, extensiveiy raised in

plantations
Wood
Gross structure
D iff use-porous
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels
Medium, moderately numerous, mostly

solitary; rarely in radial or oblique chains;
tyloses abundant; kino-like deposits sparse
to moderately abundant
Parenchyma
Moderately abundant to abundant; apotracheal - diffuse; kino-like deposits sparse

t o abundant
Rays
Fine, closely spaced; kino-like deposits

abundant
Properties
Colour
Sapwood light or pale red, heartwood

reddish-brown
Hardness
Weight
Grain
Hard to very hard

Heavy to very heavy, 980 kg/m3, air-dry
Straight; texture medium
Strength
Static Bending
impact
Bending
Compression
parallel to grain
Condition
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Green
Air-dry
51 0
866
Modu Ius
of
Elasticity
kg/cm2
Max. crushing
stress
cm
kg/cm2
60,000
100,800
107
74
29 1
51 3
91
Processing
Drying
Seasoning difficult, liable to warp and

crack
Shrinkage
Green to oven- dry
6.3%
Radial
Tangential
9.6%
Working properties
Easy t o saw and work.

acity good
Nail holding cap-
Moderately durable under cover
Uses
Mainly for pulping; suitable for packing

cases and boxes; beams, columns, poles
and posts.
65.
EUODIA LUNU-AN
( E . roxburghiana Benth.)
Rutaceae
Trade name
kambli
Local names
kanala, kambili
Tree
Medium, about I5 m i n height and 40 cm

i n diameter
Bark grey, smooth, lenticeliate
Distribution

semi-evergreen and Moist teak bearing
forests
Wood
Gross structure
D iff use- porous
Growth rings
Fairly distinct
Vessels
Medium t o small, moderately numerous,

solitary or i n radial multiples of 2-4 or
more, rarely i n clusters; often filled with
y e l l o w i s h deposits
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - aliform to aliform-confluent
Rays
92
Properties
Colour
Yeilowish-white, sapwood and heartwood

not distinct, lustrous
Hardness
Soft
Light, 450 kg/ms, air-dry
Weight
Grain
Processing
Drying
Easy to season
Working properties
Difficult to work but finishes well and

takes good polish
Natural durability and preservatioa
Pe r ish a b Ie
Uses
Match splints and boxes; packing cases

and boxes.
66.
FlLlClU
DECIPlENS Thw.
Sapindaceae
Local name
niroli
Tree
Medium to large, 18-25m in height and

up t o 90 cm in diameter
Bat k reddish-qrey
rough
Distribution
to
blackish-brown,
Sporadic i n West coast tropicai evergreen

and West coast semi-evergrt e n forests
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse- porous
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels
Usually srnall, numerous to moderately

numerous, mostly in radial muliiples of
2-4, occasional[y solitary; often plugged
w it h w h it i sh or red d i s h- b ro wn g u mmy
deposits
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - Vasicentric, in fine usually

interrupted lines often delimiting growth
rinsg
Very fine, rather closeiy spaced
Rays
Properties
Colour
Sapwood greyish-white w i t h a pale pinkish

tinge, heartwood reddish- brown
Hardness
Very hard
Weight
Grain
Processing
Drying
Quick conversion and close piling under

cover recommended
Working properties
Sawing not difficult, machining easy, can

be brought to a good finish
Moderately durable
Uses
Bearns and posts i n construction; tool

handles; agricultural implements; l o w quality furniture; cart and carriages.
67.
F I R M I A N A COLO
(Sterculia colorata Roxb )
Sterculisceae
Local name
malamparathi
Tree
Medium 10- 2O m i n height, w i t h a clear

bole of 6-9 m and 30-50 cm in diameter
Bark whitish-grey, fairly smooth
Distribution
fibrous
Sparingly found i n West coast semi-evergreen and Southern moist mixed deciduous forests
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Scarcely distinct
Vessels
Large to medium, few to moderately

numerous, mostly solitary or i n radiamultiples of 2, 3 or i n clusters
94
Parench yma
Broad wavy or fairly straight tangential

bands
Rays
Broad to moderately broad and fine, widely

spaced, forming conspicuous flecks on
radial surface
Gum canals
Occasionally present, traumatic, arranged

in long tangential bands
Properties
Coiour
Greyish or pale yellowish-white t o light

not distinct, somewhat lustrous
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Moderately
m.c
Grain
Straight; texture-coarse
heavy,
590 kg/m 3 at 12%
Perishable
Uses
Packing cases and boxes; match boxes
68.
GARUGA PINNATA Roxb.

Burseraceae
Trade name
garuga
Local names
annakara, kattu-nelliI
Tree
Medium to large, 12-25 m i n height, w i t h

a clear bole of 5-10 m and 30-60 cm i n
diameter
Bark pale grey or brown, peels off i n small
flakes
Distribution

leak bearing and Southern dry mixed deciduous forests
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Indistinct
Large t o medium, moderately few, solitary
Vessels
or in radial multiples of 2-4 or more; heartwood vessels filled with tyloses and deposits
- scanty, usually indistinct
Parenchyma
Paratracheal
Ways
Moderately broad, somewhat widelyspaced
Gum canals
Horizontal
Properties
Colour
Sapwood whitish to grey often with sap

st a I n , hea rt wo o d redd is h- bri o vv n
Hardness
Moderately soft t o moderately hard
Weight
Light to moderately heavy, 465-790 kg/m 3

at 12% m.c.
Grain
Strength
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Condition
Modulus
of
Rupture
2
kg/cm
583.4
Green
Air-dry
Com pression
parallel to grain
694.8
Modulus
of
Elasticity
Max. crushing
stress
kg/cm
55,800
87,300
cm
kg/cm2
81
58
288.8
353.8
Processing
Drying

reco mme nd ed
Shrinkage
Green to 127; m.c.
Radial
3.5%
Tangential
5.3%
Working properties
Easy tlo saw, machining good
Perishable.
treatment
Uses
Temporary construction; Class III plywood;

packing cases and boxes ;tea chests; cross
arms; low quality furniture.
Heartwood very refractory to
96
69.
GLUTA TRAVANCORICA Bedd.

Anacardiaceae
Trade name
gluta
Local names
thenmavu, thodappei
Tree
Very large, up t o 35 m in height and 65120 cm in diameter

Bark pinkish-grey, smooth
Distribution
Confined to the West coast tropical evergreen and Southern hill-top tropical evergreen forests i n South Kerala
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels
Large to medium, very few to moderately

few, solitary or in radial multiples of 2 or 3;
frequently filled with tyloses
Parenchyma
Fairly abundant; apotracheal - in long

scanty;
tangential bands; paratracheal
brownish in colour
Rays
Brownish; very fine to fine, closely spaced,

occasionally moderately broad rays present
a t intervals
Gum canals
Horizontal in the rays, often traumatic

vertical canals present in tangential rows
Properties
Colour
Sapwood pale grey with pinkish or yellowish tinge, heartwood reddish-brown or

dark red
Hardness
Hard to very hard
Weight
Grain
Interlocked; texture fine
97
Strength
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Compression
parallel t o grain
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
Max. crushing
stress
cm
kg/cm 2
677.1
945 8
127,300
148,500
74
81
361.2
557 3
Processing
Drying

recommended
Working properties
Somewhat difficult to saw, machining

gives fine finish; takes excellent polish
Durable
Uses
Building construction; cabinets and furniture; decorative interior joinery; turnery

articles and carvings; tool handles.
70. GMELINA ARBOREA Roxb.

Verbenaceae
Trade name
garnari
Local name
kumbil
Tree
Medium, 15-20 m i n height and 40-65 cm

i n diameter
Bark whitish-grey, corky, lenticellate, exfoliating i n thin flakes
Distribution
Sporadic i n Southern moist mixed deciduous, Moist teak bearing and Southern
secondary moist mixed deciduous forests
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous t o semi-ring-porous
Growth rings
Scarcely distinct
98
Vessels
Large t o medium, few t o moderately numerous, mostly solitary and i n short radial
multiples of 2 or 3; tyloses abundant
Parenchyma
Mostly paratracheal - vasicentric and also

in terminal bands delimiting growth rings
Broad to moderately broad, few, rather
widely spaced
Properties
Colour
Creamy white t o pale yellowish-grey or

buff turning to yellowish-brown on exposure, sapwood and heartwood not distinct
Hardness
Weight
Soft t o moderately herd

Light t o moderately heavy, 415-610 kg/m3
at 12% m.c.
Grain
Strength
Straight t o wavy; texture medium to coarse

Static Bending
I mpact Bending
Condition
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Green
Air-dry
Modulus
of
492
543
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
cm
70,200
77,400
43
76
t o grain
Condition
Compressive
stress at
elastic limit
kg/cm 2
Max.
crushing
stress
kg, cm
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cmz
Compressive stress
at elastic
limit
kg/cm
181
162
227
251
75,200
76,200
73
Green
Air-dry
43
to grain
Shear parallel
to grain
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Radial
kg/cm 2
Tang ent ia I
kg/cm 2
Radial
kg/cm 2
77
75
77
68
38
37
43
51
Tangential
kg/cm 2
99
Processing
Drying
Easy t o air-seasoning. Kiln-seasoning offers n o difficulty
Working properties
Easy t o saw, works t o a fairly smooth

finish and takes good polish. Usually very
uniform i n colour and except for occasional
roe-mottling which gives the wood a silvery sheen. Being very steady after seasoning, it is considered as a first class work-.
shop w o o d
Durable
Uses
Building construction; shipbuilding; Class I

plywood for general purpose; furniture
and cabinets; tool handles; artifical limbs
and rehabilitation aids; textile m i l l accessories; cooperage;.carrom draughts, tennis
and badminton rackets; brushware; musical instruments; shoe -lasts; pencil slats.
71.
GREVILLEA ROBUSTA A. Cunn. ex R. Br.

Proteaceae
Trade name
silver oak
Local name
silver oak
Tree
Medium t o large, 18-25 m i n height and

Bark rough, w i t h vertical fissures
Distribution
Native of Australia, grown i n tea and coffee

estates as shade trees and i n homesteads
wood
Gross structure
D iffuse-porous
Growth rings
Fairly distinct
Vessels
Large t o medium, moderately numerous,

mostly i n tangential clusters; filled w i t h
deposits
100
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - vasicentric and aliform to

aliform-confluent
Rays
Broad t o very broad, widely spaced; occasionally fine rays present in between the
broad rays. Silvery radial flecks present
Properties
Colour
Sapwood greyish-white, heartwood light

reddish- brown
Hardness
Hard
Weight
Grain
Straight; texture coarse but uniform
Strength
Static Bending
Impact Bending
Condition
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Modulus
of
396
633
Green
Kiln-dry
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
cm
49,000
83,000
51
46
to grain
Compression perpendicular to grain
Condition
Green
Ki I n-dry
Compressive
stress at
elastic limit
kg/cm 2
Max.
crushing
stress
kg/cm 2
M o d u Ius
of
Elasticity
kg/cm2
121
21 6
389
49,000
71,000
207
Shear parallel
t o grain
Compressive
stress at
elastic limit
kg/cm2
44
82
t o grain
Condition
Green
Kiln-dry
Radia l
kg/cm 2
Ta ngent i a I
kg/cm 2
Radial
kg/cm 2
Tangential
kg/cm 2
73
72
63
82
98
61
74
56
10 1
Easy to work w i t h tools but difficult to
bring t o a good finish
Working properties
Perishable.
Uses
Panelling i n building construction; flush

door shutters; Class Ill general purpose
plywood; decorative plywood; blockboards; packing cases and boxes; mathematical, engineering and drawing instruments; bobbins; rehabilitation aids.
72.
Treatable
GREWIA TlLllFOLlA Vahl

Tiliaceae
Trade name
dhaman
Local names
chadachi, unnam
Tree
Medium, up t o 20 m i n height, with a

clear bole of 8 m and about 65 cm in
diameter
Bark grey t o blackish-brown,
rough,
fibrous, peels off i n thin flakes
Distribution

teak bearing and West coast semi-evergreen forests
Wood
Gross structure
Growth rings
Distinct
Vessels
Medium to small, moderately few to

multiples of 2, 3, occasionally in clusters
o f 3-5; filled w i t h tyloses or chalky
deposits
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - vasicentric; apotrachealdiffuse and also i n tangential lines
Rays

very fine, closely spaced, w i t h a tendency
of storeyed arrangement
102
Properties
Colour
Sapwood light greyish-brown, heartwood

reddish-brown w i t h dark streaks
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Heavy, 785 kg/m 3 at 12% m.c.
Grain
Fairly straight;
texture medium t o coarse
Strength
Condition
Modu Ius
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
912.9
1,301.9
Green
Ai r-dry
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
cm
148,200
163,900
124
Compression
parallel to grain
Max. crushing
stress
91
kg/cm 2
480.3
701.2
Processing
Drying
Moderately refractory, liable to surface

cracking and end splitting; conversion
soon after felling and stacking under cover
recommended
Shrinkage
Working properties
Green t o
Radial
Tangential
1 2 % m.c.
4.1 %
7.9%
Easy to saw and machine, can be brought

t o a smooth finish and takes good polish
Moderately durable. Heartwood refractory

t o treatment
Uses
Agricultural implements; tool handles; constructional purposes like door and window
frames: furniture; poles, ballies, cross arms
and fence posts; railway sleepers; tent accessories; boat and shipbuilding; badminton rackets, clubs,
balancing bench.
hurdles, cricket stumps and bails; lorry
and bus bodies; brushware; cart and carriages.
103
73.
G Y M N A C R A N T H E R A CANARICA (King) Warb.

(Myristica canarica K i ng)
Myristicaceae
Local name
unda-payin
Tree
Very large, about 35 m i n height and 60 cm

in diameter
Bark brown, smooth
Distribution
Myristica swamp and West coast tropical

evergreen forests
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels
Medium to small moderately few t o few,

occasionally soiitary or mostly in radial
multiples of 2 or 3, often i n double rows;
filled w i t h tyloses and gummy deposits
Parenchyma
Apotracheal
Rays
- as tangential bands
Properties
Colour
Pinkish or pale red t o light reddish-brown,

sapwood and heartwood not distinct, lustrous
Hardness
Soft
Weight
Light, 530 kg/m3 at 12% m.c.
Grain
Straight to wavy; texture medium to coarse
Processing
Drying

recommended
Working properties
Easy to saw and work, finishes t o a smooth

surface
Non-durable
Uses
Superior quality boxes and packing cases.

Can be tried for plywood.
104
74. HALDINA CORDIFOLIA (Roxb.) Ridsd.

[Adina cordifolia (Roxb ) Hook, f. ex Brandis]
Rubiaceae
haldu
manja-kadambu
Trade name
Local name
Tree
Medium to very large, 15-35 m i n height

and up to 110 cm i n diameter; often buttressed
Bark grey, soft, thick, exfoliating in small
irregular flakes
teak bearing and West coast semi-evergreen forests
Distribution
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Indistinct
Growth rings
Vessels
Small t o very small, moderately numerous

to numerous, mostly solitary or i n radial
multiples of 2 or 3
Parenchyma
Extremely sparse paratracheal - scanty;

apotracheal relatively abundant-diffuse
and diffuse-in-aggregate
Rays
Properties
Colour
yellow or yellowish-brown
heartwood
Moderately hard
Hardness
Weight
Grain
Moderately heavy, 695 k g / m 3 at 12% m,c.

Fairly straight t o somewhat interlocked;
texture fine
Strength
Static Bending
Impact Bending
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Moduius
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
cm
657
735
89,290
101,600
79
66
t o grain
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Compressive
stress at
elastic limit
kg/cm2
Max. crushing
stress
kg/cm2
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm2
21 7
228
320
42 1
95,760
1 10,240
55
87
Tension perpe ndi c u I a r

to grain
Shear parallel
to grain
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Compressive
stress at
elastic limit
kg/cm 2
Radial
kg/cm 2
Tangential
kg/cm 2
Radial
kg/cm 2
Tangential
kg/cm2
75
89
94
41
25
46
44
82
Processing
Drying

cover recommended. Kiln-seasoning offers
no difficulty
Shrinkage
Green t o 14.6% m.c.
Radial
3.4%
Tangent ia I
6.8%
Working properties
Sawing not difficult, machining satisfactory, works fairly easy giving good finish
Non-durable.
Uses
Class I plywood; tea chests; furniture and

cabinets; blockboards; tool handles; bobbins; cricket stumps and bails; musical
instruments; mathematical, engineering
and drawing instruments; brushware; bentwood articles and toys; shoe-lasts; battery
separators.
Heartwood easily treatable
106
75.
HERlTlERA PAPIPLIO Bedd.

Sterculiaceae
Trade name
sundri
Local name
chokla-maram
Tree

Bark grey or greyish-white with shallow
longitudinal fissures
Distribution
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Scarcely .distinct
Vessels
Medium to small, few t o moderately few,

mostly solitary or i n radial multiples of 2
3 or more; often filled with gummy
deposits
Parenchyma
Visible under lens as fine, tangential,

interrupted lines forming a reticulum with
rays and delimiting growth rings, sometimes diffuse
Rays
Gum canals
Traumatic gum canals present in short

tangential rows associated with parenchyma
Properties
Colour
Sapwood pale pinkish-brown, heartwood

reddish-brown with purple streaks
Hardness
Hard to very hard
Weight
Heavy t o very heavy,

12% m.c.
Grain

medium
830 kg/m3
at
Processing
Drying
With great care kiln-seasoning possible
Working properties
Difficult to saw but machines well to a

smooth surface and takes good polish
107
Natoral durability and preservation
Non-durable.
Uses
Temporary construction-work; poles and

posts; musical instruments; mathematical,
engineering and drawing instruments; agricultural implements.
76.
Refractory to treatment
HEVEA BRASlLlENSlS (HBK.) Muell. Arg.

Euphorbiaceae
Trade name
rubber wood
Local name
rubber wood
Tree
Large, tip to 30 m in height and 40-70 cm

i n diameter
Bark greyish-black, smooth
Distribution
Native of South America, raised extensively in plantations
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Distinct
Vessels
Medium to small, moderately numerous

t o few, solitary or in radial multiples of 2,
rarely 3 or 4; occasionally with tyloses
and white to chalky deposits
Parenchyma
Abundant; apotracheal - diffuse, fine

tangentiai wavy lines and also i n more or
less continuous fine lines delimiting growth
rings; paratracheal - vasicentric
Rays
Fine, somewhat closely spaced
Properties
Colour
Yellowish-white when freshly cut, brownish or creamy on exposure, sapwood

Hardness
Weight
Light to moderately heavy, 525-610 kg/m3

at 12% m.c.
108
Slra ig ht ; texture medium
Grain
Processing
Drying
Seasons easily and quickly without much

degradation. During air-seasoning liable
to end-splitting, while i n kiln-seasoning
there is tendency t o warp
Shrinkage
Green to 12%m.c.
Radial
1.2%
Tangent ial
1.8%
Easy t o saw and works well with hand
tools and machines. Nail holding capacity
good
Working properties
Perishable, sap stains common.

t o treatment
Uses
Packing cases and boxes; fibreboards; particleboards; match splints and boxes; l o w
quality furniture.
77.
Moderate
HOLIGARNA ARNOTTIANA Hook. f .

Anacardiaceae
Local name
Tree
Distribution
cheru
Medium; 12-20 m i n height with a clear
bole of 5-8 m and 30-50 cm i n diameter
Bark ash coloured or grey, rather smooth
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
I ndisti nct
Vessels
Large to small, very few to moderately few,

solitary or i n radial multiples of 2, 3 or
more, occasionally i n clusters; often filled
with tyloses
Parencbyma
109
Rays
Brownish; broad, irregularly spaced; fine,

indistinct, closely, spaced
Pith flecks
Proper ties
Colour
Greyish-brown, sapwood and heartwood

not distinct
Hardness
Soft
Weight
Grain
Straight; texture rather coarse
Processing
Drying
Easy to season; green conversion and open

stacking under cover recommended
Easy to saw, finishes to a fairly smooth
surface
Working properties
Non-durable.
Uses
Plywood; light packing cases and boxes;

match splints; pencil slats.
78.
HOLIGARNA GRAHAMII (Wight) Kurz

Anacardiaceae
Local names
valiyacheru, anacheru
Tree
Medium, about 15 m i n height and up to

50 cm in diameter
Bark grey, lenticellate, smooth
Distribution
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels
Large to small, very few to moderately few

more, often i n clusters; filled with tyloses
Parenchyma
110
fine, closely spaced in between the broad
rays
Rays
Properties
Colour
Greyish-brown, sapwood and heartwood

not distinct
Hardness
Soft
Weight
Grain
Processing
Working properties
Perishable
Uses
Packing cases and boxes; match splints,
HOLOPTELIA IMTEGRIFOLIA (Roxb.) Planch.

Ulmaceae
Trade names
Indian elm, kanju
Local name
aval
Tree

Bark whitish-grey, thin, exfoliating in
irregular flakes
Distribution
West coast semi-evergreen and occasionally in Moist teak bearing forests
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Scarcely distinct
Vessels
Medium to small, moderately numerous,

solitary or in short radial multiples of 2 or
3, rarely more; often filled with chalky
deposits
111
-- aliform t o aliform-con-
Parenchyma
Paratracheal
fluent
Rays
Moderately broad t o fine, somewhat closely spaced
Proper ties
Colour
Light yellow or yellowish-grey, sapwood

and heartwood not distinct, somewhat
lustrous
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Grain
Moderately heavy, 595 kg/m3 at 12%m. c.

Somewhat interlocked; texture medium
Strength
Static Bending
Impact
Bending
Compression
parallel t o grain
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Max. crushing
stress
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm2
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
cm
kg/cm 2
598
71 9
74,600
91,500
94
66
270
41 1
Processing
Drying
Seasons well.
d ifficu Ity
Working properties
Easy t o saw and work, turns t o a fine

Kiln-seasoning offers n o
Nan-durable. Heartwood treatable but

complete penetration not always obtained
Uses
General construction; bobbins and cotton

reels i n textile mills; general purpose Class I
plywood; tea chests; decorative plywood;
furniture and cabinets; blockboards; tool
handles; agricultural implements; bentwood artilcles and toys.
112
80.
HOPEA GLABRA Wight & Arn.

(H. wightiana var. glabra Bedd.)
Dipterocarpaceae
Trade name
hopea
Local names
ilapongu, puzha-pongu
Medium to large, 18-25 m i n height with
Tree
a clear bole of 6 m and about 60 cm i n
diameter; often buttressed

Bark blackish-brown, peels off i n thin
flakes, leaving irregular markings
Distribution

and West coast tropical evergreen forests
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Scarcely distinct
Vessels
Very small, numerous, solitary or i n radial

multiples of 2-5 or in oblique grouping;
partly filled with tyloses and brownishyellow deposits
Parenchyma
Apotracheal - diffuse-in-aggregate, paratracheal - vasicentric to aliform, short or

long tangential bands embedding resin
ducts
Rays
Moderately broad to fine, closely spaced:

brownish-yellow granules and crystals
often present
Resin ducts
Vertical, distinct under lens as tangential

lines, irregularly spaced; whitish-yellow
deposits present
Properties
Colour
Light greyish or creamy brown often with

dark streaks, sapwood and heartwood
not distinct, lustrous when freshly cut
Hardness
Hard to very hard
Weight

12% m.c.
Grain
Interlocked; texture fine
1,075 kg/m3 at
113
Strength
Static Bending
Condition
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
1,067.3
1,263.7
Green
Air-dry
Impact
Bending
Compression
parallel to grain
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
cm
kg/cm2
147,900
124
581.4
160,700
180
Processing
Drying
Max. crushing
stress
710.5

recommended
Shrinkage
Green to oven-dry
Radial
4.3%
Tangent ia I
8.7%
Difficult to saw,machining not satisfactory, takes good polish
Working properties
Natural durability aod preservation
Durable to very durable.

to treatment
Uses
Building and bridge construction; posts

and poles; rice pounders.
81.
Very refractory
HOPEA PARVIFLORA Bedd.

Dipterocarpaceae
Trade name
Local names
Tree
hopea
Kam baga m, t ha rnbag a m, ir umbaga m
Large to very large, 25-40 m in height
with a clear bole of 10-20 m and up to
130 cm i n diameter; often buttressed
Bark light brown, mottled with white,
smooth i n young trees, changes to rusty
brown and rough as the tree grows old
Distribution

hill-top tropical evergreen, West coast
semi-evergreen and West coast secondary
evergreen Dipterocarp forests
114
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Scarcely distinct
Vessels

solitary or in radial multiples of 2-5 or in
oblique grouping; often filled with tyloses
and occasionally lemon yellow deposits
Parenchyma
Predominently apotracheal - diffuse-inaggregate; paratracheal - vasicentric,

inconspicuously confluent,
tangential
bands embedding resin ducts
Rays
Moderately broad to fine
Resin ducts
Vertical, small to very small, distinct under

lens, connate i n uniseriate rows; filled
with whitish-yellow deposits
Properties
Colour
Yellowish-brown to reddish-brown when

first exposed, on ageing to dark reddishbrown with white lines a t intervals, sapwood and heartwood not distinct
Hardness
Hard to very hard
Weight
Heavy to very heavy, 930 kg/m3 a t 12%m c.
Grain
Broad, shallowly interlocked;

texture fine
St reng t h
Static Bending
Impact
Bending
Compression
parallel to grain
Condition
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm2
Green
Air-dry
927.8
1,353.7
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
130,300
145,100
Max. crushing
stress
cm
94
127
kg/cm2
528.9
692.9
115
Processing
Drying
Liable to surface cracks and splits; green

conversion and stacking under cover recommended. Kiln-seasoning possible without degradation
Shrinkage
Green to oven-dry
3.8%
Radial
Tangent ia I
8.1 %
Working properties
Difficult to saw and w o r k gives a good

finish and takes fine polish. Peeling extremely difficult
Very durable.
to treatment
Uses
Beams, rafters and trusses in building

construction; planks for shipbuilding; t o o l
handles; poles and posts; railway sleepers;
cart and carriages.
82.
HOPEA PONGA (Dennst.) Mabberley

( H . wightiana Wall.)
Dipterocarpaceae
Trade name
hopea
Local name
ilapongu
Tree

50 cm in diameter
Bark dark brown, mottled with white, exfoliating i n thin flakes i n old trees
Distribution

wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Fairly distinct
Vessels

solitary or in radial multiples of 2-5 or in
oblique groups; often filled with tyloses
116
Parenchyma
Abundant; paratracheal
vasicentric,
confluent tangential bands connecting
resin ducts
Rays
Moderately broad to fine, fairly close spaced; crystals numerous
Resin ducts
Irregularly scattered; often with whitishyellow deposits
Properties
Colour
Yellowish-brown t o brownish-red, sapwood and heartwood scarcely distinct
Hardness
Hard to very hard
Weight
Heavy t o very
12% m.c.
Grain
Somewhat interlocked; texture fine
heavy,
920 kg/m 3
at
Processing
Drying
Green conversion and stacking under

cover recommended
Working properties
Rather difficult t o saw and work
Moderately durable.
tieatmen t
Very refractory to
Uses
Beams and rafters i n bridge and building

construction; poles, ballies and fence
posts; railway sleepers.
3.
(Balanocarpus utilis Bedd.)
Di pterocarpaceae
Trade name
kongu
Local name
karan-kongu
Tree
Large, 25-30 m in height w i t h a clear bole

of 15-20 m and 60-1 00 c m i n diameter
Bark dark brown, often w i t h greyish
patches
117
Distribution
Restricted localities in West coast semievergreen forest
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Fairly distinct
Vessels
Very small, visible only under lens, numerous, arranged i n short radial or oblique
chains, often i n a zig-zag fashion, rarely
sol itary; tyloses abundant, w i t h occasional
yellow to orange-brown deposits
Parenchyma
Abundant;
apotracheal - occasionally
diffuse and often i n fine concentric lines;
paratracheal -- relatively sparse, vasicentric to aliforrn
Fine, distinct under lens, closely spaced;
orange brown deposits and crystals
a bu nda nt
In concentric uniseriate or short tangent-.

ial !ines; often fiiled w i t h yellowish- white
deposits, clearly visible when moistened
Properties
Colour
Sapwood light olive brown and heartwood

ye I1 ow i s h -brown of ten t urning redd is h brown with age, somewhat lustrous
Hardness
Very hard
Weight
Very heavy, 995 kg/m3 a t 12% m.c
Grain
Shallowly interlocked; texture fine t o very
fine
Strength
Static Bending
Condition
Green
Air-dry
impact
Bending
Compression
parallel to grain
Max. crushing
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Modu Ius
of
Elasticity
kg/cm2
cm
kg/cm 2
1,254.7
1,510.7
169,200
187,200
135
160
656.6
755.1
stress
118
Processing
Drying
Difficult to season, liable to surface cracks; green conversion and close stacking
Shrinkage
Green to oven-dry
Radial
4.8%
Tang ent ia 1
8.2%
Difficult to saw and to plane to a smooth
surface
Working properties
Moderately durable.
treatment
Uses
Building construction; railway sleepers;

poles, cross arms, ballies and fence posts;
planks; cart wheels.
Very refractory t o
84. HUMBOLDTIA DECURRENS Bedd. ex Oliver

Caesalpiniaceae
Local names
kunthani, malamthodappu
Tree
Medium, about 15 m in height and 30 cm

i n diameter
Bark bluish-green, smooth
Distribution
West coast tropical evergreen forest i n

South Kerala
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels
Medium t o small, few to moderately few,

rarely in clusters; often filled with yellowish-brown gummy deposits
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - aliform
fluent
Rays
to
aliform-con-
119
Proper ties
Colour
Sapwood light
purple
Hardness
Weight

air-dry
Grain
Straight to slightly interlocked;

medium to coarse
Uses
brown, heartwood dark
texture
Boxes and crates.
85.
HYDNOCARPUS ALPINA Wight

Flacourtiaceae
Local names
Tree
mala-marotti, kattu-marotti
Distribution

Small to medium, 8-18 m in

up t o 50 cm in diameter
Bark greyish-brown, rough
height and
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Scarcely distinct
Vessels
Very small, numerous t o very numerous,

mostly in radial multiples of 2-4
Parenchyma
I nd ist inct
Rays
Properties
Colour
Yellowish-grey to pale brown, sapwood

Hardness
Hard
Weight
Heavy, 770-790 kg/m 3 , air-dry
Grain
Straight to curly; texture fine
120
Processing
Drying
Difficult as it develops end-splits and

surface cracks; green conversion and
Working properties
Fairly easy t o saw and work, finishes t o a

smooth surface
Non-durable, fairly durable under cover
Uses
Picture frames and carvings; packing cases

and boxes.
86.
HYDNOCARPUS PENTANDRA (Buch.-Ham.) Oken

[ H . laurifolia (Dennst.) Sleumer]
(H. wightiana Bl.)'
Flacourtiaceae
Local names
marotty, nirutty
Tree

u p to 75 cm in diameter
Bark pale brown, mottled w i t h white,
smooth, thin
Distribution

Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Indistinct or scarcely distinct
Vessels
Small t o very small, numerous to very

numerous, mostly i n radial multiples of
2-4
Parenchyma
Indistinct
Rays
Properties
Colour
Yellowish-grey t o pale brown, sapwood

Hardness
121
Light t o moderately heavy, 51 0-630 kg/m3,
air-dry
Weight
Straight; texture f ine
Grain
Processing
Drying
Fairly easy but liable t o warping
Working properties
Easy to saw and work, finishes t o a smooth

surf ace
No n- d u r ab Ie
Uses
Packing cases and boxes;

temporary construction.
87. HYMENODICTYON
match splints;
EXCELSUM (Roxb.) Wall.
Ru biaceae
Trade name
kuthan
Local names
vella-kadambu, peruntholi
Tree

60 c m in diameter
Bark greyish-brown, soft, thick, exfoliating i n small irregular scales
Distribution

Wood
Gross structure
D iffuse-porous
Growth rings
Fairly distinct
Vessels

rarely solitary, usually i n radial multiples
of 2-4 or i n clusters; occasionally filled
w i t h deposits
Parenchyma
Apotracheal
Rays
Moderately broad, fairly close spaced
- tangential lines
Properties
Colour
White t o light yellowish or brownish-grey,

sapwood and heartwood not distinct, fairly lustrous
122
Hardness
Soft
Weight
Grain
Strength
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Compression
parallel to grain
--__
Condition
ModuI us
of
Rupture
kg/cm2
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
cm
kg/cm 2
64,300
79,700
5%
43
189
342
393
563
Green
Air-dry
Processing
Drying
Max. crushing
stress
Air and kiln-seasoning gives satisfactory

results
Easy to saw and machine, turns well t o
a good finish
Working properties
Perishable. Treatable, complete penetration not always obtained
Uses
Tea chests; packing cases and boxes;

match boxes and splints; artificial limbs
and rehabilitation aids; bobbins; cooperage; pencil slats; mathematical, engineering and drawing instruments; brushware.
88.
KlNGlODENDRON PINNATUM (Roxb. ex DC.) Harms

(Hardwickia pinnata Roxb. eX DC.)
Caesaipiniaceae
Trade name
Local names
Tree
piney
kulavu, chukkanna-payin, kiyavu
Large, about 30 m in height and up to
100 cm in diameter
Bark dark brown,
rough
mottled with green,
123
Distribution

Coast secondary evergreen Dipterocarp
forests
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Fairly distinct
Vessels
Medium to small, moderately few t o few,

solitary and in radial multiples of 2 or 3;
filled w i t h yellowish- blown deposits
Parenchyma
occasionally
Paratracheal - vasicentric,
aliform and also i n fine lines delimiting
growth rings
Rays
Fine t o very fine, closely spaced, radial

flecks distinct
Gum canals
Present, scattered, almost c f the same size

as the vessels from which not easily distinguishable under the hand lens
Properties
Colour
Sapwood greyish-white, heartwood dark

red t o reddis h-brow n, fairly I ust rous
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Moderately heavy, 610 kg/m 3 at 12%m.c.
Grain
Straight t o interlocked: texture medium t o

coarse
Strength
Static Bending
Impact
Bending
Compression
parallel t o grain
Condition
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Max. crushing
stress
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
cm
kg/cm 2
327.5
515.5
Green
660.8
106,200
69
Air-dry
913.2
124,200
71
Processing
Drying
Moderately refractory to seasoning; green

conversion and immediate stacking under
cover recommended
124
Working properties
Easy to saw, works t o a fine finish and

takes good polish
Very durable. Heartwood very refractory

t o treatment
Uses
Constructional purposes such as beams,

rafters, ceiling and floor boards; Class II
plywood; furniture and cabinets; blockboards; poles and posts; railway sleepers,
lorry and bus bodies; brushware; turnery
and carvings.
89.
KNEMA ATTENUATA (Hook. f. & Thoms.) Warb.

(Myristica attenuata Wall. ex Hook. f. & Thorns.)
M yristicaceae
Local names
chorappayin, chennelli
Tree

Bark greyish- biack, smooth, thin
Distribution

coast secondary evergreen Dipterocarp
forests
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels
Medium t o small, occasionally solitary,

mostly i n radial multiples of 2 or 3, often
i n double rows; occasionally filled w i t h
tyloses and gummy deposits
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - terminal bands appearing

like growth rings
Rays
Properties
Colour
Pale red t o light reddish-brown, sapwood

and heartwood not distinct, lustrous
125
Hardness
Soft
Weight
Grain
Strength
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Condition
Green
Air-dry
ModuIus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Modulus
of
E Iast ic ity
kg/cm 2
41 4
83,200
105,900
572
Compression
parallel to grain
Max. crushing
stress
cm
46
51
kg/cm 2
218
309
Processing
Drying
Green conversion and open stacking recommended
Working properties
Easy to saw and finishes to a shiny smooth

surface
Perishable
Uses
Packing cases and boxes.
90.
KYDIA CALYCINA Roxb.

Malvaceae
Trade name
pula
Local names
vella-chadachi, veembu
Tree
Medium, 12-20 m in height with a clear

bole of 5-8 m and about 40 cm in diameter
Bark greyish, exfoliating in thin irregular
flakes
Distribution

126
Wood
Gross structure
D iff use-porous
Growth rings
Distinct
Vessels
Medium, few t o moderately few, mostly

solitary or i n short radial multiples of 2, 3
or rarely more; occasionally filled w i t h
tyloses
Parenchyma
Mostly apotracheal - distinct under lens

as fine broken lines forming reticulum w i t h
rays; paratracheal - vasicentric, around
the pores as a faint border
Rays
Fine to moderately broad, former distinct

only under lens, closely spaced, latter
few and widely spaced, forming lustrous
flecks on radial surface
Proper ties
Colour
Sapwood creamy white,

heartwood
greyish-brown with a purplish tinge,
I ustrous
Hardness
Weight
Grain
Soft
Strength
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Compression
parallel t o grain
Condition
Modu I us
At 14.4% m.c.
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
cm
kg/cm 2
483.4
72,700
43
237.2
Drying
Max. crushing
stress

recommended
Working properties
Easy t o saw and plane t o a smooth surface
Uses
Packing cases and boxes:

wood; match splints.
Non-durable
Class Ill ply-
127
91.
LAGERSTROEMIA MICROCARPA Wight

( L . lanceolata Wall. ex Clarke)
Lythraceae
Trade name
benteak
Local name
venthekku
Tree
Large, about 20-30 m in height and up to

11 0 cm in diameter
Bark yellowish-grey, smooth, exfoliating
in large papery flakes
Distribution

Wood
Gross structure
Semi-ring-porous to ring-porous
Growth rings
Distinct
Vessels
Large in early wood, medium to small in

late wood, solitary or in radial multiples
of 2 or 3; usually filled with abundant
ty Ioses
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - predominantly aliform to

aliform-conf luent
Rays
Properties
Colour
Sapwood grey or pink, heartwood light

reddish-brown to walnut brown
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Moderately heavy, 640 kg/m3 a t 12% m.c.
Grain

medium
128
Strength
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Compression
parallel t o grain
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Modulus
Max. crushing
stress
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
cm
kg/cm 2
682
926
1 10,500
126,500
83
96
350
474
of
Processing
Drying
Air-seasoning
recommended
Working properties
difficult.
Kiln-seasoning
Sawing and machining satisfactory, finishes to a smooth surface and takes good
polish
Durable. Heartwood
treatment
Uses
Door and window frames; tea chests; furniture and cabinets; tool handles; poles and
posts; railway sleepers; textile mill accessories; artificial limbs and rehabilitation
aids; boat and shipbuilding; lorry and bus
bodies; clubs, balancing bench, javelins,
hurdles, vaulting stands and balancing
bars; cooperage; cart and carriages; bentwood articles and toys.
92.
LAGERSTROEMIA REGINAE
very refractory t o
Roxb.
(L. flos-reginae Retz.)
Lythraceae
Trade name
jarul
Local names
man i-ma rut hu, n ir-vent he k ku
Tree
Medium, 10- 20 m i n height and up t o

90 cm in diameter; often buttressed
Bark grey t o creamy yellow, smooth, peels
off i n irregular thin flakes
129
Distribution
Mostly confined to river banks i n West

coast semi-evergreen, Moist teak bearing
and Myristica swamp forests. Often planted
as ornamental trees
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Scarcely distinct
Vessels
Extremely large t o Medium, moderately

numerous, mostly solitary or i n radial multiples of 2 or 3; usually filled with tyloses
Parenchyma
Paratracheal -- wavy, narrow,

bands connecting the vessels
Rays
Pith flecks
irregular
Properties
Colour
Sapwood greyish-white t o roseal white,

heartwood light reddish-brown, rather
lustrous
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Grain
Straight or occasionally
medium t o coarse
wavy; texture
Strength
Static Bending
Condition
8.5% m.c
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
917.5
Impact
Rending
Compr-assion
parallel t o grain
Modulus
Max. crushing
of
stress
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
crn
kg/cm 2
1 07,380
...
507.5
Processing
Drying
Not difficult to season.

possible
Kiln-seasoning
Working properties
Sawing and machining satisfactory, finishes to a smooth surface and takes good
polish
130
Durable.
treatment
Uses
Beams, door and window frames; boat

and shipbuilding; furniture; tool handles;
poles and fence posts; rice pounders.
93.
Heartwood very refractory to
LANNEA COROMANDELICA (Houtt.) M e r r .

(Odina wodier Roxb.)
Anacardiaceae
Trade name
jhingam
Local names
kalash, uthi
Tree

40-80 c m i n diameter
Bark greyish-black, rough, exfoliating i n
small, thin, irregular flakes
Distribution
Moist teak bearing and Southern secondary

moist mixed deciduous forests; occasionally i n laterite thorn forest
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels
Medium t o small, moderately few t o moderately numerous, solitary or i n radial multiples of 2 or 3; heavily plugged w i t h
tyloses
Parenchyma
Paratracheal
Rays
Brownish; fine, seldom moderately broad,

fairly close spaced
Gum canals
Horizonta I
- very scanty
Proper ties
Colour
Sapwood pale yellowish-grey, heartwood

reddish-brown, rather lustrous
Hardness
Moderately hard
131
Weight
Grain
Straight t o interlocked; texture medium
Strength
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Condition
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
426.3
663.3
Green
Air-dry
Compression
parallel t o grain
M o d u 1 us
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
cm
kg/cm 2
56,300
7 1,600
58
56
196 0
324.2
Max. crushing
stress
Processing
Difficult t o season
Shrinkage
,
Drying
Working properties
Green to oven-dry
Radial
3.0%
Tangential
5.4%
Sawing satisfactory, can be finished to a

Perishable, moderately durable under cover. Heartwood very refractory to treatment,

sapwood treatable
Uses
Class I general purpose plywood; blockboards; carvings and turnery; furniture;

light packing cases; cooperage.
94. LITSEA CHINENSIS Lamk.

Lauraceae
Local name
kalla-karuna
Tree
Medium, 10-15 m in height and 30-40 cm

i n diameter
Bark brown, smooth
Distribution

Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse- porous
Growth rings
Distinct
Vessels
Medium t o small, moderateiy numerous to

numerous, mostly in radial multipies of 2
or 3, rarely 6 and occasionalty solitary;
often filled w i t h tyloses and yellowishbrown gummy deposits
Parenchyma
Indistinct
Rays
Moderately broad to fine, fairly close

spaced
Properties
Colour
Yellowish-grey or olive-grey to olivebrown or greyish-brown
Hardness
Moderatelly hard
Weight
Moderately
m.c.
Grain
Fairly straight t o somewhat wavy; texture

medium to coarse
heavy, 690 kg/m 3
at
12%
Processing
Drying
Seasons well, provided green conversion

and slow seasoning adopted
Working properties
Sawing and machining no1 difficult, takes

fairly good polish
Moderately durable
Uses
Agricultural implements; locally for building construction; l o w quality furniture.
133
95.
L O P H O P E T A L U M WlGHTlANUM
Arn.
Celastraceae
Trade name
banati
Local name
venkotta
Tree
Large to very large, 25-35 m i n height and

Bark grey ish-bro w n mott Ie d w i t h w h ite
and yellow, rough i n o l d trees
Distribution

semi-evergreen and Myristica swamp forests
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels
Medium, moderately few t o numerous,

solitary or mostly in groups of 2 or 3
Parenchyma
Apotracheal
Rays
Fine t o very fine, fairly close spaced
- tangential wavy lines
Properties
Colour
Ye I I ow is h-brown, sap wood a n d heart wo o d

not distinct
Hardness
Soft
Weight
Grain
Straight; texture somewhat coarse
Strength
Static Bending
Impact
Bending
Compression
parallel to grain
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
cm
kg/cm 2
423.0
601.6
73,300
85,500
46
41
21 0.2
Max. crushing
stress
325.7
134
Processing
Drying
Refractory t o seasoning
Shrinkage
Green t o oven-dry
Radial
3.4%
Tangential
5.5%
Working properties
Not difficult t o saw, machining gives a

No n- durable
Uses
Ceiling boards and rafters in buildings;

Class I l l general purpose plywood; furniture and cabinets; packing cases and boxes;
match splints; artifical limbs and rehabili
tation aids; pencil slats.
96. MADHUCA LONGIFOLIA (Koeing) MacBride

(Bassia longifolia Koeing)
Sapotaceae
Trade name
Local name
Tree
mohua
ilippa
Medium,
12-15 m in height and about
40 cm i n diameter
Bark dark yellowish-grey,
thick,
with
shallow vertical fissures

Distribution

coast semi-evergreen forests i n North
Kerala
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse- porous
Growth rings
Distinct
Vessels
Mostly large t o medium, rarely small,

moderately numerous, occasionally solitary
or i n radial multiples of 2-4, often further
grouped
in
oblique manner;
filled
w i t h tyloses and reddish-brown gummy
deposits
135
Parenchyma
Apotracheal -- fine tangential lines forming reticulum with rays
Rays
Properties
Colour
Sapwood pale reddish-brown t o brownishwhite, heartwood dull reddish- brown
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Heavy t o very
12% m.c.
Grain
heavy,
975 kg/m 3
at
Processing
Drying
Green conversion followed by immersion

i n water for 4-6 weeks and stacking under
cover recommended
Working properties
Not difficult t o saw, but requires great

care t o bring t o a smooth surface
Very durable, lasts exceprionally well

under water. Heartwood very refractory
to treatment
Uses
Beams i n building construction;

handles; agricultural implements;
and sh ipbu iIding .
97.
tool
boat
M A D H U C A NERllFOLlA ( M o o n ) H.J.Lam
(Bassia malabarica Bedd.)
Sapotaceae
Local name
atta- iII uppa
Tree
Small t o medium, 10-15 m in height and

Bark dark brown, scaly
Distribution
West coast tropical evergreen

mostly along the river banks
forest,
136
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse- porous
Growth rings
Distinct
Vessels
Large to medium, numerous, rarely solitary,

mostly in radial or slightly oblique multipies of 6-8
Parenchyma
Apotracheal - fine tangential lines forming reticulum w i t h rays
Rays
Properties
Colour
Sapwood light brown and heartwood

brownish-red w i t h dark coloured patches
Hardness
Hard
Weight
Grain
Straight to interlocked; texture medium to

coarse
Moderately durable
Uses
Construction work; boatbu i id i ng; vats.
98.
MALLOTUS PHlLlPPENSlS (Lamk.) Muell. Arg.

Euphorbiaceae
Trade name
kamala-dye tree
Local names
kura ng u-manjal, shen kolli
Tree
Small, about 90 m in height and 30 cm in

diameter
Bark grey or pale brown, usually w i t h irregular fissures
Distribution

semi-evergreen and Moist teak bearing
forests
wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
137
Growth rings
Fairly distinct
Vessels
Medium to small, moderately few to few,

solitary, or in radial multiples of 2, 3 or 4,
often in double rows
Parenchyma
Predominantly apotracheal - short tangential lines; paratracheal - abaxial or

adaxial
Rays
Properties
Colour
Light brownish-grey or light greyish-red,

fairly iustrous
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Grain
Strength
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
M od u I us
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Elasticity
kg/cm2
542
822
75.1 00
89,700
Compression
parallel to grain
Max. crushing
stress
of
cm
107
97
kg/cm 2
241
41 5
Processing
Drying
Seasons fairly well, liable to warping and

shi inkage
Working properties

Uses
Somewhat difficult to saw, works t o a

smooth surface and takes fairly good
polish
Perishable
u
Small turnery articles ; penho IderIS; pulping.
138
99.
MANGIFERA INDICA Linn.

Aaacardiaceae
Trade name
mango
Local name
mavu
Tree
Medium t o large, 15-30 m i n height and'

Bark brown or dark grey, rough
Distribution

coast semi-evergreen forests; cultivated
extensively
Wood
Gross structure
D iff use- poro us
Growth rings
Fairly distinct
Vessels
Large t o medium, few t o moderately

of 2, 3 or more; often filled w i t h tyloses
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - aliform t o confluent, often

Rays
Fine t o moderately broad,

closely spaced
Pith flecks
Usually present
numerous,
Properties
Colour
Yellowish-white to greyish-brown, sapwood and heartwood not distinct or sometimes heartwood distinct and dark brown,
somewhat lustrous
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Grain
Straight t o somewhat interlocked; texture

medium t o coarse
139
Strength
Static Bending
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Impact Bending
__--
Modu I us
ModuI us
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
of
Elasticity
kg/cm2
cm
61 2
904
91,200
1 11,800
89
66
Compression paraIlel
t o grain
C o ndit ion
Green
Air - dry
Compressive
stress a t
elastic limit
kg/cm2
Max.
crushing
stress
kg/cm 2
199
294
448
277
ModuIus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm2
Compressive
stress at
elastic limit
kg/cm2
94,300
108,400
Shear parallel
t o grain
54
96
Tension perpendic u Iar

to grain
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Radial
kg/cm 2
Tangential
kg/cm2
Radial
kg/cm2
Tangential
kg/cm 2
82
92
93
93
37
37
53
38
Processing
Drying
Not refractory; green conversion followed
by stacking in dry ventilated area recommended. Kiln-seasoning improves the appearance of the timber with out degradation.
Retains its shape remarkably well after
seasoning
Shrinkage
Green to oven-dry
Radial
3.0%
4.9%
Tangential
Working properties

good polish. Nail and screw holding capacity excellent. Peels well
140
Non-durable.
Uses
Ceiling boards, window frames; general

purpose Class I plywood; furniture and
cabinets; blockboards; match splints and
boxes; boat and shipbuilding; bobbins;
bentwood articles; shoe-lasts.
168.
Easily treatable
MELlA AZEDARACH Linn.

Meliaceae
Trade name
Persian lilac
Tree

Bark greyish-brown to dark grey with
ver t ica I f issu res
Distribution
Native of West Asia,

trees
grown as avenue
wood
Gross structure
Ring-porous
Growth rings
Distinct
Vessels
Large to very small, early wood vessels

large, in 4-8 or more rows, late wood
vessels very small, zig-zag or in oblique
manner, occasionally in tangential bands
across rays; often filled with reddishbrown deposits
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - vasicentric, forming thin

sheaths around pores in irregular patches
and also in tangential lines delimiting growth rings
Rays
Browinsh; moderately broad, rather widely

spaced, ray flecks distinct on radial surface
Gum canals
Vertical,
rows
traumatic,
often in tangential
141
Properties
Colour
heartwood
reddish-brown
Moderately hard
Moderately heavy, 710kg/m3 at 12% m.c.
Hardness
Weight
Grain
Strength
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Condition
Modu 1 us
of
Rupture
kg/cm2
598.7
Green
Compression
parallel to grain
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm2
cm
kg/cm2
81,300
130
176
Processing
Drying
Max. crushing
stress
Seasons well without developing any defects

Shrinkage
Green to oven-dry
Radial
5.0%
Tang ent i a l
8.5%
Working properties

good polish after filling. Peels satisfactorily
Perishable to non-durable
Tennis and badminton rackets; toys; turnery; light furniture; plywood.
Uses
101.
M E L I A DUBiA Cav.
( M . composita Willd.)
Meliaceae
Trade name
Local names
Malabar neem
kattu-veppu, malaveppu
Tree
Large, up to 25 m in height and about

80 cm in diameter
Bark dark brown or blackish, peels off in
rectangular strips
142
Distribution

teak bearing forests
Wood
Gross structure
Semi-ring-porous to diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Distinct
Vessels
Large to medium, small i n late wood, few,

solitary or in radial pairs, transition from
early to late wood gradual
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - scanty or vasicentric, rately forms small irregular or oblique patches

around small vessel groups i n the extreme
late wood portions
Rays
Moderately broad, rather widely spaced,

ray flecks distinct on radial surface
Vert ica I, traumatic
Gum canals
Properties
Colour
Sapwood grey or pinkish-white with

yellow cast, heartwood light red
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Grain
Strength

Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Condition
Green
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm2
399.84
Modulus
Compression
parallel to grain
Max. crushing
stress
of
Elastic ily
kg/cm 2
cm
kg/cma
51,759
212 94
371
Processing
Drying
Working properties

cover recommended
Easy to saw, machining satisfactory, can
be brought to a smooth surface
Moderately durable under cover
Uses
Plywood; light packing cases and boxes;

match splints and boxes; cigar boxes.
143
102.
M E L I O S M A PINNATA (Roxb.) Walp.

ssp. ARNOTTIANA (Wight) Beus.
[M. arnottiana (Wight) Walp.]
Meliosmaceae
Local name
kallavi
Tree

40 cm in diameter
Bark brownish-grey, smooth, lenticellate
Distribution
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous to slightly ring- porous
Growth rings
Distinct
Vessels
Medium and small to very small, moderateiy few, solitary or in radial multiples
of 2-4 or in clusters
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - scanty, vasicentric
Rays
Broad to moderately broad, very widely

spaced; fine to very fine, fairly wide
spaced
Properties
Colour
Dark reddish-brown, sapwood and heartwood not distinct
Hardness
Very soft
Weight
Very light, 335 kg/m3 a t 12% m c.
Grain
Processing
Drying
Liable to warp
Working properties
Perishable
Uses
Fishing floats; packing cases.

tried for plywood.
Can be
144
103. MELlOSMA SlMPLlClFOLlA (Roxb.) WaIp.

ssp. SlMPLlClFOLlA
Meliosmaceae
Local name
kal lavi
Tree

40 cm i n diameter
Bark greyish-white
Distribution

Wood
Gross structure
Diff use- porous
Growth rings
Distinct
Vessels
Small, numerous,
multiples of 2-4
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - scanty,
Rays
Moderately broad, widely spaced, radial

flecks distinct
Pith flecks
OccasionalI y present
solitary or i n radial
vasicentric
Properties
Colour
Reddish-brown, sapwood and heartwood
not distinct
Hardness
Soft
Weight
Grain
Processing
Drying
Liable to warp
Working properties
Easy to saw and work, finishes t o a

smooth surface, takes good polish
Perishable
Uses
Light packing cases; locally for house

construction; light furniture.
145
104.
M E S U A N A G A S S A R I U M (Burm. f.) Kosterm.

(M. ferrea Auct. non Linn.)
Guttiferae
Trade name
mesua
Local names
churuli, nangu, wayanavu
Tree

Bark reddish-brown, peels off in thin flakes
Distribution

hill-top tropical evergreen and West coast
Wood
Gross structure
D iffuse-porous
Growth rings
Inid istinct
Vessels
Medium, few to moderately few, mostly

solitary, occasionally due to close proximity appear t o be i n chains, clusters, oblique
radial lines or i n irregular groups; partly
filled w i t h tyloses and reddish gummy deposits
Parenchyma
Apotracheal - narrow wavy reddish-brow n concentric bands which often ena abruptiy
Rays
Fine to very fine, numerous, closely spaced
Properties
Colour
Sapwood greyish-white or pinkish-grey,

heartwood brick- red, occasionally with
dark streaks o n the longitudinal surface,
fairly lustrous
Hardness
Very ha r d
Weight
Very heavy, 1,090 kg/m 3 at 12% m.c.
Grain
Straight to interlocked; texture medium t o

fine w i t h a smooth feel
146
Strength
Static Bending
Impact Bending
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Moduius
of
Rupture
kg/m 2
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/ m 2
cm
1,214
1,735
172,900
207,900
137
168
t o grain
Cornpression perpendicular t o grain
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Condition
Green
Air- dry
Compressivp
stress at
elastic limit
kg/cm 2
Max.
crushing
stress
kg/cm 2
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm2
405
529
633
960
199,900
Compressive
stress a t
elastic limit
kg/cm 2
163
21 2
227,600
Shear parallel
to grain
t o grain
Radial
kg/cm 2
Tang ent ia I
kg/cm 2
Radial
kg/cm 2
Tangential
kg/cm 2
147
195
157
226
60
50
73
68
Processing
Drying
Difficult to season. Liable to surface cracking, warping and end-splitting; slow

drying under cover, protected from hot
wind and sun, recommended
Shrinkage
Working properties
Green t o
Radial
Tangential
oven-dry
7.1%
9.4%
Being extremely hard, difficult t o saw even

when green, can be worked w i t h hand
tools and machine, but is liable t o tear up
i n rough streaks if worked o n a quartered
surface
147
Very durable.
to treatment
Uses
Railway sleepers; bridge and building construction; well construction; crushers; agricultural implements; tool handles; golf
clubs; rehabilitation aids; country pipes
and hookahs; cart and carriages; bows for
gun stocks; boat and shipbuilding.
105.
MlCHELlA CHAMPACA Linn.

Magnoliaceae
Trade name
champ
Local name
chempagam
Tree
Large up t o 30 m i n height and 50-80 c m

in diameter
Bark grey, smooth
Distribution
Occasional i n West coast tropical evergreen

forest
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
D ist inct
Vessels
Small to very small, moderately numerous,

solitary or in short radial multiples of 2 or 3;
occasionally filled w i t h tyloses
Parenchyma
Fine tangential
rings
Hays
Fine t o moderately broad, rather closely

spaced
lines delimiting growth
Properties
Colour
Sapwood pale grey or white, heartwood

light brown, lustrous
Hardness
Soft t o moderately hard
Weight

at 12% m.c.
148
Grain
Strength
Static
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Impact Bending
Bending
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
cm
563
634
83,900
95,100
66
61
to grain
Condition
Compressive
stress a t
elastic limit
kg/cm 2
Green
21 0
Air-dy
28 1
Max.
crushing
stress
kg/cm 2
283.0
415.1
Modulus
. of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
Compressive
stress at
elastic limit
kg/cm 2
93,800
103,300
64

t o grain
Shear parallel
t o grain
Condition
R ad la I
kg/cm 2
Green
Air-dry
Tang ent ia I
kg/cm 2
66.2
70.5
73.0
82.0
Processing
Drying
Working properties
44
Radial
kg/cm 2
Tangential
kg/cm 2
35.7
27.0
38.2
30.0
Seasons well provided the logs are converted green into planks and scantlings and
stacked under cover. Kiln-seasoning will
discolour the wood
Shrinkage
Green to oven-dry
Radial
3.2%
Tangential
5.2%
Easy t o saw, works t o a smooth finish and
takes good polish
Perishable t o non-durable.
very refractory to treatment
Heartwood
149
Building construction; Class I general purpose plywood; decorative plywood furniture and cabinets; textile m i l l accessories;
badminton rackets; mathematical, engineering arid drawing instruments; shoe-lasts;
battery separators.
Uses
106, MlLlUSA TOMENTOSA (Roxb.) Sinclair

(Saccopetalum tomentosum Hook. f. & Thoms.)
Annonaceae
Trade name
Local name
Tree
hoom
kanakkaitha
Medium, 12-18 m i n height and about 40
c m i n diameter
Bark dark greyish-brown to brown; rough,
w i t h shallow vertical fissures
Distribution

Wood
Gross structure
Growth rings
Diffuse-porous
Id i s t i n c t
Vessels
Small to very small, solitary or in radial

multiples of 2 or 3; often filled w i t h yellowish deposits
Parenchyma
Apotracheal
lines
Rays
Broad t o moderately broad, rather widely

spaced
--
visible under lens as fine
Properties
Colour
Yellow t o olive brown,

Hardness
Weight
Moderately heavy
kg/m 3 a t 12% m.c.
Grain
to
sapwood an
heavy, 655-835
150
Strength
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Condition
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
740.4
950.7
Green
Air-dry
_____
Modulus
Compression
parallel to grain
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
Max. crushing
stress
110,600
126,800
cm
kg/cm2
89
89
387 2
51 6.2
Processing
cover recommended
Drying
Shrinkage
Working properties
Green to oven-dry
Radial
3.8%
Tangential
8.8%
Easy to saw and work, takes good polish
Non-durable
Uses
Temporary construction; tool handles;

packing cases and boxes; poles and fence
posts.
107.
M l L l U S A VELUTINA (Dunal) Hook. f. & Thorns.

Annonaceae
Local name
villunni
Tree

Bark brownish-grey, longitudinally fissured, rough
Distribution
Sporadic in Moist teak bearing and Southern moist mixed deciduous forests
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
151
Growth rings
Scarcely distinct, under lens appear as

faint, pale yellow lines
Vessels
Small to very small, solitary or mostly in

radial multiples of 2-4; often filled with
yellowish deposits
Parenchyma
Apotracheal - as fine tangential lines

forming reticulum w i t h rays
Rays
Moderately broad t o fine,

rather widely spaced
broad rays
Properties
Colour
Yellowish or greyish-brown, sapwood and

heartwood not distinct, fairly lustrous
Hardness
Hard
Weight
Grain
Strength
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Compression
parallel to grain
Condition
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Modulus
Max. crushing
stress
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
cm
kg/cm2
79,200
93,200
69
56
281.6
476.6
--
583.8
767.2
Green
Air-dry
Processing
Drying
Difficult to season as it develops end-splits; green conversion and open stacking

Shrinkage
Green t o oven-dry
4.7%
Radial
Tangential
9.3%
Working properties
Easy to saw, machines well t o a good finish
Perishable
Uses
Temporary construction; packing cases

and boxes; low quality furniture.
152
108.
M I M U S O P S ELENGI Linn.
Sapstaceae
Trade name
bulletwood
Local name
elengi
Tree
Medium t o large, 15- 25 m in height and

about 65 cm in diameter;
Bark dark grey, rough, w i t h vertical fissures
Distribution
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse- porous
Growth rings
Fairly distinct
Vessels
Very small, moderately fe w t o moderately

numerous, occasionally solitary, mostly i n
radial multiples of 2-1 0 i n single or double
rows; occasionally filled w i t h gummy deposits
Parenchyma
Apotracheal - as fine broken tangential

lines
Rays
Properties
Colour
Sapwood pale reddish-brown, heartwood

dark reddish-brown
Hardness
Very hard
Weight
Very heavy, 1.070 kg/m 3 at 12% m.c.
Grain
Fairly straight t o irregular or shallowly interlocked; texture fine
Strength
Static Bending
Impact
Bending
-~
Condition
M odulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Green
Air-dry
Compression
parallel to grain
864
1.1 78
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
129,900
137,800
Max. crushing
stress
cm
114
107
kg/cm 2
44 1
557
153
Processing
Drying
Seasons well
Working properties
Easy t o saw, works t o a smooth finish and

takes good polish
Very durable
Uses
Building and bridge construction; boatbuilding; furniture and cabinets; agricultural implements; musical instruments; tool
handles; turnery and carvings.
109.
MITRAGYNA PARVIFOLIA (Roxb.) Korth.

(Stephegyne parvifolia Roxb.)
Rubiaceae
Trade name
kaim
Local names
vimba, nir-kadambu, rose- kadambu
Tree

Bark light grey, smooth, exfoliating i n small
scales
Distribution
Moist teak bearing, Southern moist mixed

deciduous and West coast semi-evergreen
forests
Wood
Gross structure
D iff use-porous
Growth rings
Fairly distinct
Vessels
Small to very small, numerous, mostly solitary, occasionally i n radial multiples o f

2 or 3
Parenchyma
Indistinct
Rays
Proper ties
Colour
Pale yellow to light greyish-brown, sapwood and heartwood not distinct
154
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Grain
Straight t o wavy; texture fine
Strength
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Condition
~~~-
Modulus
of
R up'rure
kg/cm 2
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
cm
kg/cm 2
78,200
94,500
102
53
456
6 30
787
Green
Air-dry
Compress ion
parallel to grain
Max. crushing
stress
31 5
Processing
Green conversion and stacking under cover recommended. With great care kilnseasoning fair Iy successf u I
Drying
Easy t o saw and machine, works to a
Working properties
smooth surface
Non-durable, fairly durabie under cover.

Heartwood treatable hut complete penetration not always obtained
Uses
Building construction; plywood; furniture

and cabinets; tool handles; cooperage;
cricket stumps and bails; mathematical,
drawing and engineering instruments;
shoe-lasts.
110.
MORINDA
COREIA Buch.-Ham.
(M. tinctoria Roxb.)
Rubiaceae
Local names
manja-pavatta, manjanathi
Tree

Bark brown or
grey, corky, deeply cracked
155
Southern dry mixed deciduous forest in
Central Kerala
Distribution
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse -porous
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels
Small, few t o moderately few, occasionally

solitary, mostly i n radial multiples of 2-10
Parenchyma
Apotracheal - as fine discontinuous tangential lines
Rays
Moderately broad, fairly wide spaced;

fine, closely spaced among the broad rays
properties
Colour
Light red w i t h yellow streaks, or golden

yellow w i t h a roseal cast or yellowishbrown, sapwood and heartwood not distinct
Moderately hard
Hardness
Weight
Processing
Drying

cover, w i t h ends protected, recommended
Sawing not difficult, turns well t o a fairly
good finish with hand tools and machine
Working properties
Reported to be moderately durable
Uses
Turnery and carvings; penholders; furniture; toys.
11 1.
NOTHOPEGIA COLEBROOKEANA BI.

Anacardiaceae
Local name
macheru
Tree
Medium, about 15 m i n height and 30 c m

in diameter
Bark pale greyish- brown, smooth or flaky,
thin
Distribution
156
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Fairly distinct
Vessels
Very small, moderately numerous, solitary

or in radial multiples of 2 or 3
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - wavy tangential lines enclosing vessels, often vasicentric t o aliform
Rays
Pale brown; fine to very fine, rather closely

spaced
Properties
Colour
White t o pale pink, turninq light brown

o n exposure
Hardness
Weight
Hard t o very hard

Very heavy, 875 kg/m 3 , air-dry
Grain
Straight to Interlocked; texture fine
Processing
Not difficult t o work, can be planed t o a
smooth shiny surface
Working properties
Non-durable
Uses
Tool handles; turnery.
112.
OCHROMA PYRAMIDALE (Cav. ex Lamk.) Urban

(0. lagopus Sw.)
Bombacaceae
Trade name
Local name
balsa
balsa
Tree
Medium, 20 m or more i n height with a

clear bole of 6-9 m and about 60 cm i n
diameter
Distribution
Native of Tropical America, raised in small

scale plantations
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse- porous
157
Growth rings
Indistinct, occasionally delimited by fairly

crowded vessels
Vessels
Large t o medium, very few t o few, sometimes w i t h a tendency t o crowd near

growth rings
Abundant, but not clearly distinguishable
from fibres owing t o the latter being extremely t hin-wal led
Parenchyma
Rays
Broad t o moderately broad,

spaced
Proper ties
Colour
Sapwood white to oat-meal coloured w i t h

pinkish or greyish tinge, heartwood pale
brown t o reddish-brown
Extremely soft
Hardness
Very light, 120-290 kg/m 3 a t 12% m.c.
Weight
Grain
Strength
Straight; texture ,medium to coarse
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Condition
_ _ __-
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
143
Green
Air-dry
few, widely
21 9
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
Compression
parallel 10 grain
Max. crushing
stress
cm
25,500
35,600
kg/cm2
10
64
15
110
Processing
Drying
Working properties
Kiln-seasoning recommended. Quick conversion and end-stacking the boards

against a horizontal support suggested for
air-seasoning
Easy t o saw and work; glues exceptionally
well
Uses
Rafts, floats, lifebuoys and other lifesaving equipment; i n aircraft for corestock
of sandwitch material; insulating material
particularly for refrigeration trucks and
cold storage rooms; toys, hat blocks and
model plane kits
158
PALAQUIUM ELLIPTICUM (Dalz.) Engl.
113.
(Dichopsis elliptica Benth.)
Sapotaceae
pali
Trade name
Local name
Tree
pali
Large, about 3 0 m i n height w i t h a clear
bole of 1 2 m and up to 110 cm in diarneter
Bark dark brown mottled w i t h white
West coast tropical evergreen and Southern
hill- top tropical evergreen forests
Distribution
Wood
Gross structure
D iffuse-porous
Ind ist i n c l
Growth rings
Vessels
Large t o medium and small, moderately

numerous, solitary or mostly i n radial
multiples of 2-4 or occasionally in clusters; often filled with tyloses and reddishbrown gummy deposits
Parenchyma
Apotracheal - as slightly wavy tangential

lines forming reticulum with rays
Rays
Properties
Colour

Sapwood pale red, heartwood light redd-
ish-Drown
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Grain
Strength

Straight to wavy; texture medium
Static Bending
impact
Bending
Compression
parallel t o grain
Condition
M o d u I us
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Green
Air-dry
697
1,080
Modu Ius
Max. crushing
stress
Of
EIastic i t y
kg/cm 2
11 8,600
141,500
cm
kg/cm 2
71
86
339
573
Processing
Drying

under cover recommended. Kiln-seasonIng offers no difficulty
Shrinkage
Green t o 13.9% m.c.
Radial
4.7 %
Tangential
7.8%
Not difficult t o saw, works to a fine surface. Carl be easily peeled
Working properties
Durable.
ment
Uses
Construction-work; general purpose Class I

plywood; tea chests; aircraft plywood;
marine plywood; furniture; blockboards;
tool handles; railway sleepers; bobbins.
Heartwood refractory to treat-
114. PERSEA M A C R A N T H A (Nees) Mosterm.

(Machilus macrantha Nees)
Lauraceae
machilus
Trade name
Local names
Tree
kolamavu, ooravu
Dist ribution
Bark pale.-brown w i t h dark blotches, rough

in old trees
semi-evergreen, occasionally i n Moist
teak bearing and Southern subtropical hill
forests
Large, 20-30 m in height and up to 100 cm

in diameter
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse- porous
Growth rings
Fairly distinct
Vessels
Medium to small. moderately numerous,

mostly solitary or i n radial multiples of
2.3 or 5, occasionally in double rows or
clusters; filled with tyloses
160
Parenchyma
Indistinct
Rays
Pith flecks
Properties
Colour
Light orange-brown t o light reddishbrown, sapwood and heartwood not dis tinct, lustrous
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Light to moderately heavy, 430-625 kg/m 3

at 12% m.c.
Grain
Strength
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Compression
paraliel t o grain
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Mod LJIus
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
cm
kg/cm 2
510
580
76,300
7,900
69
71
252
297
Max. crushing
stress
Processing
Drying
Green conversion followed by immersion

i n water and stacking recommended
Working properties
Easy t o saw and work, planes t o a d u l l

smooth surface
Non-durable
Uses
Flooring and ceiling boards; Class I plywood for general purposes; packing cases
and boxes; match splints.
161
115.
PlLlOSTlGMA M A L A B A R I C U M (Roxb.) Benth.

(Bauhinia malabarica Roxb.)
Caesalpiniaceae
Trade name
Local name
Tree
kanchan
Distribution

arampuli
Bark dark brown, thick, Fibrous, exfoliating i n small, irregular flakes
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
lndisti nct
Vessels
Moderately large t o small, few t o moderately numerous, mostly solitary or i n

radial multiples of 2, 3 or rarely more;
occasionally filled w i t h tyloses and yellowish-white deposits
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - broad or fairly irregular

tangential bands and in patches around
vessels
Rays
Proper ties
Colour
Yellowish-grey to light reddish or greyishbrown, sapwood and heartwood not distinct
Hardness
Weight
Moderately heavy
kg/m 3 , air-dry
Grain
Straight t o interlocked; texture medium t o

coarse
Processing
Working properties
to
heavy,
550-800
Not difficult t o saw and work w i t h tools,

takes good polish. Peels easily
Non-durable
Uses
A g r ic u Itural imp Ie ment s ; t e mpora ry c o nstruction.
162
116.
POECILONEURON INDlCUM Bedd.

Guttiferae
Trade name
ba I lag i
Local names
vayila, poothankolli
Tree
Large, up t o 30 m in height and about

75 cm i n diameter
Bark grey, rough
Distribution
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse- porous
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels
Medium t o small, moderately few to moderately numerous,

mostly solitary but
occasionally appear t o be i n pairs; often
filled w i t h tyloses
Parenchyma
Paratracheal
confluent
Rays
Pith flecks
- mostly aliform
to aliform-
Properties
Colour
Sapwood light
reddish-brown
Hardness
Hard t o very hard
Weight

12% m.c.
Grain
Strength
Straight t o interlocked; texture coarse
Static Bending
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
1,119.7
162,700
21 7,500
1,609.1
Impact
Bending
brown, heartwood dark
1,120 kg/m 3 at
Compression
parallel t o grain
Max crushing
stress
cm
117
130
kg/cm 2
588.7
907.8
163
Processing
Drying
Difficult t o season, liable t o surface cracks and end-splits, especially during kilnseasoning
Shrinkage
Green t o oven-dry
Radial
8.5%
Tangential
10.4%
Working properties
Not difficult t o saw, works fairly well

w i t h hand tools and machine
Moderately durable.
fractory t o treatment
Uses
General construction-work; poles, crossarms, ballies and fence posts; railway

sleepers.
Heartwood very re-
POLYALTHIA CERASOIDES (Roxb.) H o o k . f . & Thorns.
117.
Annonaceae
Trade name
debdaru
Local name
cheru-nedunar
Tree

Bark grey, rough, thin
Distribution
Sporadic i n Southern moist mixed deciduous forest
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Scarcely distinct,
yellow lines
delimited by faint pale
Vessels
Small t o very small, moderately few t o

moderately numerous, solitary or i n radial
multiples of 2 or 3; sometimes filled w i t h
yellowish deposits
164
Parenchyma
Apotracheal - distinct under lens as fine

tangential lines forming reticulum with
rays
Rays

spaced
rather widely
Properties
Colour
Yellowish-brown,
wood not distinct
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Moderately heavy, 640 kg/ms at 12% m.c.
Grain
sapwood
and heart-
Strength
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Compression
parallel t o grain
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Max. crushing
stress
Modulus
of
Rupture
kglcma
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm2
cm
kg/cmz
659
92,900
163,700
142
152
284
523
1,236
Processing
Drying
Green conversion and storage in water

before seasoning recommended
Working properties
Not difficult to saw, planes to a fine

smooth surface and takes satisfactory
polish
Perishable
Uses
Temporary construction; turnery; bobbins;

shoe-lasts; packing cases.
165
POLYALTHIA F R A G R A N S (Dalz.) Bedd.
118.
Annonaceae
Trade name
debdaru
Local name
nedunar
Tree
Large, 20-30 m i n height and about 60 cm

i n diameter
Bark greyish- brow n, w i t h s ha II ow vert ica I
fissures
West coast semi-evergreen and West coast
secondary evergreen Dipterocarp forests
Distribution
Wood
Gross structure
D iffuse-porous
Growth rings
Scarcely distinct
Vessels
Very small, moderately few t o moderately

numerous, solitary or i n radial multiples
of 2, 3 or 6; occasionally filled w i t h deposits
Parenchyma
Apotracheal - visible under lens as fine

tangential lines forming reticulum w i t h
rays
Rays
Very fine, rather closely spaced
Properties
Colour
Sapwood greyish-yellow, heartwood greyish-black
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Grain
Strength

Static Bending
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Impact
Bending
Compression
parallel t o grain
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
Max. crushing
stress
cm
kg/cm 2
538.8
684.3
92,000
109,500
56
61
280.1
355.5
166
Processing
Drying
Somewhat difficult t o season

Shrinkage
Working properties
Green t o oven-dry
Radial
3.4%
Tangent ia I
7.3%
Not difficult t o saw and work
Perishable
Uses
Temporary construction; general purpose

Class I plywood; blockboards; packing
cases and boxes; match splints.
119.
PONGAMIA PINNATA (Linn.) Pierre

( P . glabra Vent.)
Papilionaceae
Trade name
Indian beech
Local names
pongu, ungu
Tree
Medium, u p t o 18 m i n height and about

50 cm i n diameter
Bark grey is h- brow n
Distribution
West coast semi-evergreen forest.

planted as avenue trees
Often
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels
Medium to small few to very few, solitary

or in radial multiples of 2 or 3
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - wavy tangential bands

alternate w i t h the fibrous bands and end
abruptly, occasionally vasicentric t o aliform or aliform-confluent and as fine lines
Rays
167
Properties
Colour
Yellowish-grey, sapwood and heartwood

not distinct
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Grain
Moderately heavy, 755 kg/m 3 at 1 2 % m.c.

Strength
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Compression
parallel t o grain
Condition
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
cm
kg/cm 2
Green
594 0
91,500
112
Air-dry
981.2
122 800
122
268.9
559.2
Processing
Drying
Max. crushing
stress
Somewhat difficult t o season, liable to

develop warps and splits
Shrinkage
Green t o oven-dry
4.7%
Radial
Tangential
8.4%
Working properties
Easy t o saw and work
Perishable
Uses
Temporary const r uc t i o n ;
cart and carriages.
120.
tool ha n dIes;
PTEROCARPUS M A R S U P I U M R o x b .
Papilionaceae
Trade name
bijasal
Local name
venga
Tree

Bark dark brown or grey w i t h shallow
cracks; exfoliating i n thin flakes, o n injury
exudes a red gummy substance
168
Distribution

teak bearing, West coast semi-evergreen
and Southern dry mixed deciduous forests
Wood
Diffuse-porous, often shows tendency

towards semi-ring- porous
Gross structure
Growth rings
Scarcely distinct
Vessels
Large to medium, few t o moderately few,

solitary or in radial multiples of 2-4; often
filled with gummy deposits
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - wavy or straight tangential

bands, touching or partially enclosing the
pores, often a Iifor rn t o a I iform-co nf Iue n t
Rays
Very fine, numerous, closely spaced
Properties
Colour
Sapwood pale yellowish-white, heartwood golden brown or reddish-brown on

exposure. Aqueous extract of wood is
characteristic yellowish-blue and fluorescent
Hardness
Weight
Moderately heavy to heavy, 720-880 kg/m3

a t 12% m.c.
Grain
Interlocked; texture medium to coarse
Strength
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Static
Bending
Impact Bending
Modu Ius
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
745
1,379
102,500
133,900
cm
130
107
169
to grain
Condition
Compressive
stress a t
elastic limit
kg/cm
279
330
Green
Air-dy
Max.
crushing
stress
kg/cm2
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
Compressive
stress at
elastic limit
kg/cm 2
365
683
108,000
71
158
Shear parallel
to grain
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Compression perpendicular to grain.
121,600
Tension perpend ic u Ia r
t o grain
Radial
kg/cm 2
Tangential
kg/cm 2
Radial
kg/cm2
Ta ngent ia I
kg/cm 2
86
85
128
38
31
38
40
116
Processing
Drying
Non-refractory; green conversion and open

stacking under cover recommended. Kilnseasoning also suggested
Shrinkage
Green to oven-dry
Radial
4.3%
Tangential
6.1%
Working properties
Sawing not difficult, machining gives a

smooth surface. Takes good and lasting
polish after filling. Nail and screw holding capacity excellent
Very durable. Heartwood very refractory

to treatment, however sapwood is treatable
Uses
Constructional purposes like beams, pillars,

door and window frames; boatbuilding;
bridge construction; tool handles; poles
and posts; railway sleepers; jumping and
vaulting stands; lorry bodies; spokes and
felloes of cart wheels; cups and vessels for
drinking water, as water extract of the
wood is believed to be beneficial i n diabetes.
170
121.
PTEROSPERMUM DlVERSlFOLlUM BI.

( P . glabrescens Wight & Arn.)
Sterculiaceae
Local name
pa mba ra m
Tree
Medium, up to 18 m in height and 30-45

cm i n diameter
Bark greyish-brown, rather smooth
Distribution

South and Central Kerala
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Scarcely distinct
Vessels
Medium to'small, moderately few to moderately numerous, solitary or i n radial multiples of 2, 3 or more, occasionally in
clusters
Parenchyma
Apotracheal -- diffuse,
tangential lines
Rays
Properties
as
fine
broken
Colour
Sapwood whitish, heartwood pinkish-brow n to light reddish-brown, somewhat

lustrous
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Grain
Processing
Drying
Working properties

Green conversion followed by open stacking under cover recommended
Easy to saw when green, works well to a
fairly smooth surface and takes good polish
Heartwood
refractory
to
Non-durable.
treatment
Uses
Temporary construction; low quality furniture; turnery; household appliances; agricultural implements.
171
122.
PTEROSPERMUM RETICULATUM Wight & Arn.

Sterculiaceae
Local name
malayuram
Tree
Medium, about 20 m
i n height and
Bark pale brown, rough
Distr ibution
West coast semi-evergreen and West coast

tropical evergreen forests
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Scarcely distinct
Vessels
Medium t o small, moderately few t o moderately numerous, solitary or i n radial

multiples of 2, 3 or more, occasionally in
clusters
Parenchyma
Visible under lens as fine, tangential, broken lines
Rays
Fine, sometimes broad, closely spaced
Properties
Colour
Sapwood white, heartwood greyish or

light reddish-brown, somewhat lustrous
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Grain
Fairly straight t o
medium
interlocked;
texture
Processing
Drying

cover recommended
Working properties
Easy t o saw when green, machines well,

finishes t o a fairly smooth surface and
takes good polish
Heartwood refractory t o
Non-durable.
treatment
Uses
Packing cases and boxes; agricultural implements; l o w quality furniture.
172
123.
PTERYGOTA ALATA (Roxb.) R . Br.

(Sterculia alata Roxb.)
Sterculiaceae
Trade name
narikel
Local name
anathondi
Tree
Very large, up to 45 m in height with a

clear bole of 15-20 m and 80-100 cm in
diameter
Bark greyish-brown, with horizontal wrinkles and shallow vertical fissures
Distribution

Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Scarcely distinct
Vessels
Large to medium, very few to few or moderately numerous, often i n radial multiples
of 2 or 3, occasionally solitary or in large
clusters
Parenchyma
Broad,
bands
Rays
Broad to moderately broad and fine, the

former widely spaced,
forming radial
flecks and the latter very few, visible only
under lens
Gum canals
Occasional, in long tangential bands
wavy or in straight tangential
Properties
Colour
Greyish or pale yellowish-white to light

not distinct, somewhat lustrous
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Grain
173
Strength
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Modulus
of
Rupture
kglcma
668.2
957.1
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cms
109,500
11 5,400
Compression
parallel to grain
Max. crushing
stress
cm
99
84
kg/cms
328.5
535.7
Processing
Drying
Seasons well without much degradation:

green conversion and open stacking under
cover recommended
Shrinkage
Green to air-dry
Radial
2.9%
Tangential
7.0%
Working properties
Easy to saw, works well with hand tools

and machine, finishes to a rough surface
Perishable
Uses
Class I l l general purpose plywood; packing cases and boxes; match splints and
boxes. Can be used for pulping.
124. QUASSIA INDICA (Gaertn.) Nooteb.

(Samadera indica Gaertn.)
Simaroubaceae
Trade name
karingotta
Local name
karingotta
Tree
Small, about 10 m in height and 20-30 cm

in diameter
Distribution
Sporadic in West coast tropical evergreen
and West coast semi-evergreen forests
174
Wood
Gross structure
D iffuse-porous
Growth rings
Distinct
Vessels
Small, moderately few, solitary arid in radi a l multiples of 2 or 3
Parenchyma
Apotracheal - diffuse, tangential bands

delimiting growth rings; paratracheal
vasicentric to aliform
Rays
Properties
Colour
Light yellow to brownish-yellow, sapwood

Hardness
Soft
Weight
Light, 390 kg/m 3 , air-dry
Grain
fine
Processing
Drying
Easy to season
Working properties
Easy to saw and machine, finishes to a

smooth surface
Non-durable
Uses
Planks for ceiling; low quality furniture;

toys and fancy articles; turnery; wooden
footwear.
125.
RADERMACHERA XYLOCARPA (Roxb.) K. Schum.

(Bignonia xylocarpa Roxb.)
Bigooniaceae
Local name
vedingkorana
Tree
Medium, about 15 m in height and up t o

55 crn in diameter
Bark light grey, rough
175
Distribution
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Scarcely distinct
Vessels
Large to medium, numerous, mostly in

radial multiples of 2-4 or 6, rarely in
tangential clusters; often occluded with
whitish or yellowish deposits
Parenchyma
Abundant; paratracheal
terminal
Rays
Moderately broad to fine, closely spaced
- vasicentric and
Properties
Colour
Sapwood grey to light brownish-grey,

heartwood greyish-brown to golden or
orange-brown
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Moderately heavy to heavy,

kg/m3 a t 12% m.c.
Grain
Straight to irregularly interlocked; texture

medium to coarse
625-880
Strength
Static Bending
impact
Bending
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
660.77
803.6 1
85,287
102,035
Compression
parallel to grain
Max. crushing
stress
cm
83.82
40.64
kg/cm 2
361.70
565.06
Processing
Drying
Easy to season
Shrinkage
Green to oven-dry
3.8%
Radial
Tangential
5.4%
176
Easy to saw and machine, works to a fins
finish, takes good polish
Working properties
Durable
Uses
Building construction; furniture; panelling;

cart and carriages.
126.
RHODODENDRON A R B O R E U M Sm.
( R . nilagiricum Zenk.)
Ericaceae
Local name
katt u-puvarasu
Tree
small, 7-10 m in height and up to 30 cm

in diameter
Bark reddish-brown, rough, peels off in
small flakes
Distribution
Confined to the Southern montane wet

temperate forest in Munnar and Southern
subtropical hill forest in Silent Valley
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Distinct
Vessels
Small t o very small, moderately few to

moderately numerous, mostly solitary,
rarely paired tangentially or radially
Parenchyma
Indistinct
Rays
Moderately broad, widely spaced; fine to

very fine, closely spaced among the broad
rays
Properties
Colour
Sapwood reddish-white to brownishwhite, heartwood reddish-brown to brown
Hardness
Soft
Weight
Light to moderately heavy, 575 kg/m3 at

12% m.c.
177
Straight to somewhat curly;
fine
Grain
texture very
Processing
Drying
Green conversion followed by close stacking under cover recommended
Working properties
Easy to saw and work, turns well to a

fine smooth surface
Non-durable
Uses
Tobacco pipes of low quality; turnery and

carvings.
127.
SALIX T E T R A S P E R M A Roxb.
Salicaceae
Trade name
willow
Local name
vanji
Tree

Bark greyish-brown,
fissures
Distribution
with deep vertical
West coast semi-evergeen forest,

seen along the river banks
mostly
Wood
Gross structure
D iffuse-porous
Growth rings
Fairly distinct
Vessels
Small, numerous, mostly solitary or in

radial multiples of 2 or 3, rarely in tangential clusters
Parenchyma
Apotracheal -.
growth rings
Rays
as fine lines delimiting
Properties
Colour
Sapwood greyish-white, heartwood light

reddish-brown, fairly lustrous
178
Hardness
Soft
Weight
Very light, 385 kg/m 3 at 12% m.c.
Grain
Straight to somewhat interiocked;

medium to fine
texture
Strength
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Condition
Green
Com p i ession
paralfei to grain
I
_
_
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
392
51,900
Max. crushing
stress
cm
132
kg/cm 2
180
Processing
Drying
Easy t o season; green conversion and open

Working properties
Easy t o s a w , can b e brought to a smooth

surface
Non-durable t o moderately durable
Uses
Packing cases and boxes; artificial limbs

and rehabilitation aids; pencil slats; penholders, bentwood articles; match splints
and boxes; cricket stumps and bails. Suitable for cabinets and fancy works.
128.
S A N T A L U M A L B U M Linn.
Santalaceae
Trade name
Local name
Tree
sandalwood
chandanam
Small, 7-10 m i n height and 15-25 cm in
diameter
Bark dark grey or brownish-black, rough,
w i t h short vertical cracks
Distribution
Occasional i n Southern dry mixed deciduous forest in Marayur. Also cultivated

to a limited extent
179
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Distinct
Vessels
Very small, numerous, mostly solitary,

occasionally multiples of t w o in radial or
tangential rows; often filled w i t h orangebrown gummy deposits
Parenchyma
In d ist inct
Rays
Properties
Colour
Sapwood whitish or pale brown, heartwood light yellowish-brown to dark brown,

lustrous
Odour
Heartwood
odour
Hardness
Hard
Weight
Grain
Straight to slightly wavy; texture fine
scented
with characteristic
Processing
Drying
Seasons well
Working properties
Easy to saw, turns well t o a fine smooth

surface and takes good polish. Easy t o
carve
Very durable
Uses
Turnery and c a r v i n g s chess pieces; decorative panelling; fancy work and curio
items. Heartwood mainly used for extracti o n of oil.
180
129. SAPINDUS LAURlFOLlA Vahl

(S. emarginatus Va h I)
Sapindaceae
Trade name
soapnut tree
Local names
pasakotta, uruangi
Tree
Medium, u p t o 20 m i n height and about

50 c m i n diameter
Bark grey, smooth, peels off i n thin scales
Distribution

Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Fairly distinct
Vessels
Medium t o small, few t o moderately numerous, solitary or i n radial multiplesof t w o

or more; often filled w i t h pinkish-brown
or white deposits
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - aliform and i n fine lines

Rays
Very fine, rather widely spaced
Properties
Colour
Yellowish-white to brown, sapwood and

Hardness
Hard
Weight
Heavy t o very heavy, 897-1,025 kg/m 3

at 12% m.c.
Grain
Straight to wavy;
texture medium
Processing
Drying
Difficult to season, liable to surface cracks

and end-splits
Non-durable
Uses
Carts and carriages;

localiy for house
construction; agricultural implements.
181
130.
SARACA ASOCA (Roxb.) de Wilde

(S. indica Auct. non Linn.)
Caesalpiniaceae
Trade name
asok
Local name
asokam
Tree
Small, about 10 m i n height and 20- 30cm

in diameter
Bark brownish-black, smooth
Distribution
Sporadic in West coast tropical evergreen

forest
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Fairly distinct
Vessels
Medium t o small, few to moderately few,

rarely more
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - vasicentric to aliform,

rarely confluent and as fine lines delimiting growth rings
Rays
Properties
sapwood
Colour
Pale yellowish-brown,
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Moderately heavy,
Grain
Uses
600 kg/m 3 ,
Ag r icu Itu raI imp Ie ments.
and
air-dry
182
131. SCHLEICHERA OLEOSA (Lour.) Oken

(S. trijuga Willd.)
Sapindaceae
Trade name
kusum
Local name
poovani
Tree

Bark grey, exfoliating in small, irregular
flakes
Distribution

bearing and Southern secondary moist
wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Fairly distinct, undulating, delimited by

somewhat dark and dense late wood
fibres
Vessels
Medium to small, few to moderately numerous, somewhat unevenly distributed,

mostly solitary and in radial multiples of 2
or 3; often filled with chalky arid reddishbrown gummy deposits
Parenchyma
Apotracheal - diffuse; paratracheal

very scanty, usually indistinct
Rays
Very fine, numerous, closely spaced
Properties
Colour
Sapwood greyish-wh ite, heartwood Iight

reddish -brown
Hardness
Very hard
Weight
Very heavy, 1,090 kg/m3 at 12% m.c.
Grain

medium
183
Strength
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Compression
parallel to grain
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm2
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm2
cm
kg/cm2
1,I 26.6
1,582.9
162,900
181,000
142
140
607.2
746.2
Max. crushing
stress
Processing
Very refractory; slow seasoning by close
stacking under cover, protected from hot
dry winds, recommended. Kiln-seasoning
gives good results provided converted into
planks soon after felling
Drying
Shrinkage
Green to oven-dry
Radial
5.5%
10.8%
Tangential
Difficult to saw, with machine works to a

fine surface and takes good polish
Working properties
Durable
Uses
Treated timber can be used as beams,

trusses and posts for construction purposes; tool handles; railway sleepers;
agricultural implements; carts and carriages; pounders; tent accessories.
132.
S E M E C A R P U S A N A C A R D I U M Linn.f.
Anacardiaceae
Local names
thenkotta, cherkuru
Tree
Medium, about 15 m in height and 30-40

cm in diameter
Bark brown, rough, exfoliating in irregular
flakes
Distribution
184
wood
Gross :structure
D if fuse-porous
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels

few, solitary or i n radial multiples of 2-5,
rarely in clusters; often filled with tyloses
Parenchyma
Paratracheal
Rays
Moderately broad to fine
- vasicentric to a l i f o r m
Properties
Colour
Greyish-white or greyish-yellow t o greyish-brawn, sapwood and heartwood not

distinct
Hardness
Weight
Light t o moderately heavy, 495-590 kg/m3,

air-dry
Grain
Straight t o slightly
coarse
Processing
Working properties
Non-durable
Uses
L o w quality furniture; packing cases and

boxes; match splints and boxes.
133. SHOREA R O X B U R G H I I G. Don

(S. talura Roxb.)
Dipterocarpaceae
Local name
taluram
Tree

50 cm i n diameter
Bark light grey, narrowly fissured
Distribution
Sporadic i n Southern dry mixed deciduous

forest of North and Central Kerala
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
lndist inct
Vessels
Medium to small, moderately few, mostly

solitary; tyloses sparse
Parenchyma
Apotracheai - diffuse, short tangential

bands; paratracheal - scanty to fairly abundant, embedding resin ducts
Bays
Fine t o moderately broad, fairly close spaced, ray flecks often conspicuous o n radial
surface
Resin duets
Vertical, smaller than vessels, often solitary or in short or long tangential rows;
filled w i t h white deposits
Proper ties
Colour
Sapwood light yellow t o yellowish-brown
or grey, heartwood yellowish- brown t o

reddish-brown; fairly lustrous when freshly cut
Hardness
Hard
Weight
Moderately heavy t o heavy, 770 kg/m 3 at

12% m.c.
Grain
Straight t o interlocked; texture medium to

coarse
Processing
Drying
Not difficult to season

S h ri n k age
Green to oven-dry
4%
Radial
Tangent i a I
8%
Working properties
Difficult to saw, works lo a hard, smooth

surface; high silica content can blunt saw
blades
Moderateiy durable. Heartwood very refractory to treatment
Uses
Building and bridge construction; low

quality furniture; tool hadles; cart and
carriages; boarbuilding.
186
134. SPONDlAS PINNATA (Linn. f . ) Kurz

( S . mangifera Willd.)
Anacardiaceae
Trade names
amra, Indian hogplum
Local name
ambazham
Tree
Large, about 25 m in height and up t o

70 c m i n diameter
Dis tribution
Bark brown or grey, w i t h wrinkles and

vertical fissures
West coast semi-evergreen and Moist teak
bearing forests
Wood
Gross structure
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels
Large to medium, solitary or i n radial multiples of 2, 3 or more, rarely i n clusters;

often filled w i t h tyloses
Paratracheal - scanty, vasicentric, visible
only under lens
Moderately broad, widely spaced; fine,
closely spaced
Horizontal, associated w i t h broad rays
Parenchyma
Rays
Gum canals
Properties
Colour
Hardness
Weight
Grain
Processing
Drying
Working properties
Greyish-white t o straw-coloured, sapwood

Soft
Very light to light, 390 kg/m 3 , air-dry
Easy t o season; green conversion and open
Easy t o saw and work, can be brought
only t o a moderate finish. Peels well
Perishable
Uses
General purpose Class I l l plywood after

treatment; packing cases and bowes, match
splints and boxes.
187
135. STERCULIA FOETIDA Linn.

Sterculiaceae
Trade name
pinari
Local name
potta-kavalam
Tree
Medium, about 18 m i n height and 60 c m

in diameter
Distribution
Occasional i n Southern moist mixed deciduous forest
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Scarcely distinct
Vessels
Large fo medium few, solitary or i n radial

multiples of 2 or 3; often filled w i t h tyloses
Parenchyma
Apotracheal - diffuse
ing growth rings
Rays
Broad t o moderately broad, widely spaced;

fine, closely spaced
fine lines delimit
Properties
Colour
Sapwood greyish-white t o pinkish, heartwood reddish-brown
Hardness
Weight
Grain
Processing
Drying
Working properties
Heartwood easy t o season,

susceptible t o stains
sapwood
Easy t o saw and work, finishes to a smooth

surface
Perishable
Uses
Class II I general purpose plywood; boatbuilding; dugouts; packing cases.
188
136.
STERCULIA GUTTATA Roxb.

Sterculiaceae
Local names
peenari kithondi
Tree

60 cm i n diameter
Bark brownish or greyish, fairly smooth
Distribution
West Coast semi-evergreen, Moist teak

Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Scarcely distinct
Vessels
Large t o medium, few t o moderately few,

often in clusters
Parenchyma
Apotracheal - in broken lines across the

rays
Rays
Very broad to moderately broad, widely

spaced; fine, closely spaced
Gum canals
Traumatic, in tangential bands
Properties
Colour
Yellowish-white or grey t o greyish-brown,

lustrous
Hardness
Soft t o very soft
Weight
Light t o very light, 31 5 kg/m 3 , air-dry
Grain
Processing
Drying
Quick conversion followed by open stacking under cover recommended
Working properties
Easy to saw and work,

bring to a good finish

Uses
Perishable
Packing cases and boxes.
but difficult t o
137.
S T E R C U L I A U R E N S Roxb
Sterculiaceae
Trade name
Local name
Tree
Distribution
Wood
Cross structure
Growth rings
Vessels
karar
thondi
Medium, 15-20 m in height w i t h a clear
bole of 7-10 m and about 50 cm i n diameter
Bark greenish-grey, smooth, exfoliating
i n large, thin flakes
deciduous and Southern dry mixed deciduous forests
Diffuse- porous
Scarcely distinct
Large t o medium, few, solitary or i n radial
multiples of 2 or 3; filled w i t h tyloses
Parenchyma
Apotracheal - diffuse, broken tangential

bands and fine lines delimiting growth rings
Rays
Broad t o moderateiy broad, widely spaced;

fine, closely spaced
Properties
Colour
Hardness
Weight
Grain
Processing
Drying
Working properties
Uses
Sapwood greyish-white t o pale pinkish,

heartwood reddish-brown
Light t o moderately heavy, 545 kg/m 3 at
12% m.c
Heartwood seasons well, sapwood susceptible to stains; green conversion recommended
Easy t o saw and work, heartwood finishes
well and takes good polish
Perishable in exposed conditions, fairly
durable under cover
Packing cases and boxes; picture and slate
frames; low quality pencil slats; match
splints and boxes.
190
138.
STERCULIA VILLOSA Roxb.

Sterculiaceae
Trade name
udal
Local name
vakka
Tree
Small, about 10 m i n height and 30 cm i n

diameter
Bark grey, w i t h corky warts, fibrous
Distribution

Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Scarce Iy d istinc t
Vessels
Large to medium, f e w t o moderately few,

soiltary or in radial multiples of 2 or 3,
occasionally i n clusters of 2-5; often filled
with tyloses
Parenchyma
Apotracheal
Rays
Very broad t o moderately broad, widely

spaced; fine, very few
- as tangential lines
Properties
Colour
Pale yellowish or greyish t o greyish-brown,

Hardness
Very soft
Weight
Very light, 270 kg/m3 at 12% m.c.
Grain
Processing
Drying
Seasons well without much degradation;

quick conversion followed by open stacking under cover recommended
Working properties
Easy t o saw and work, difficult t o bring t o

a good finish

Uses
Perishable
Class Ill general purpose plywood; packing
cases and boxes; match splints and boxes.
191
139.
STEREOSPERMUM CHELONOIDES (Linn. f . ) DC.

[S. suaveolens (Roxb.) DC.]
Bignoniaceae
Trade name
padri
Local name
kariyam
Tree
Medium, about 20 m i n height and 50 cm

i n diameter
Bark grey, exfoliating in large irregular
flakes
Distribution
Southern moist mixed deciduous

and
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Scarcely distinct
Vessels
Large t o medium and small, moderately

f e w to few, mostly solitary, rarely i n radial
or oblique multiples of 2, 3 or occasionally
in tangential clusters; often filled w i t h
tyloses and yellowish-white deposits
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - aliform-confluent, discontinuous wavy bands, often connecting the

vessels
Rays
Moderately
spaced
broad to
fine, fairly close
Properties
Colour
Sapwood grey with faint yellowish cast,

heartwood yellowish-brown, fairly lustrous
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Moderately heavy t o heavy,575-975 kg/m 3

at 12% m.c.
Grain
192
Strength
Condition
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Green
Ai r-dry
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
666
876
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
cm
88,600
106,680
130
C o mp r ess io n
parallel to grain
Max. crushing
stress
147
kg/crn 2
31 4
51 3
Processing
Drying
Green conversion and air-seasoning recommended
Working properties
Not difficult t o saw and work, can be brought to a smooth surface and takes good
polish
Moderately durable
Uses
Construction-work; furniture and cabinets;

tool handles; railway sleepers; lorry and
bus bodies; cart and carriages; good
quality charcoal. Suitable for turnery.
140. S T E R E O S P E R M U M COLAIS (Buch.-Harm. ex Dillw.)

Mabberley
[S. personatum (Hassk.) Chatterjee]
[S. chelonoides Auct. non (Linn. f.) DC.]
Bignoniaceae
Trade name
padri
Local name
padiri
Tree

Bark brown
Distribution

193
Wood
Gross structure
D iffuse-porous
Growth rings
Fairly distinct
Vessels
Very large t o large and medium, moderately numerous, mostly solitary or i n radial
multiples of 2 or 3, often i n clusters;
occasionally filled with tyloses and gummy
deposits
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - aliform-confluent, irregular bands often connecting the vessels
Rays

spaced
fairly
close
Properties
Colour
Light grey w i t h a faint yellowish cast to

brownish-grey, sapwood and heartwood
not distinct
Hardness
Hard
Weight
Moderately heavy
kg/m 3 at 12% m.c.
Grain
t o heavy,
560-880
Strength
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Compression
parallel to grain
Condition
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm2
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
cm
kg/cm 2
1 10,800
124,700
121
126
41 6
544
820
Green
Air-dry
1,009
Max. crushing
stress
Processing
Drying
Liable t o surface cracking; green conversion and stacking under cover recommended
Working properties
Somewhat difficult to saw and work, can

be brought t o a good finish
Moderately durable. Treatable but complete penetration not always obtained
194
Tool handles; floor boards; packing cases;

low quality furniture; temporary construction; suitable for railway sleepers after treatment.
Uses
141.
STRYCHNOS NUX-VOMICA Linn.

Loganiaceae
Trade name
nux-vomica
Local name
kanji ram
Tree

70 crn in diameter
Bark dark grey or yeliowish-grey, covered
witn minute tubercles
Distribution
Southern moist mixed deciduous; Southern dry mixed deciduous and Moist teak
bearing forests
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels
Medium to very small, few. mostly solitary or in radial multiples of 2-6 or in

oblique clusters
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - tangential lines connecting the vessels
Rays

spaced
Included phloem
Conspicuous, circular, oval or irregular
fairly close
areas between the rays, evenly distributed
Properties
Colour
Creamy-white to yellowish grey or light

brown, often with reddish-brawn lines
marked by numerous strands of included
phloem
Hardness
Hard
195
Weight
Grain
Straight or irregulariy interlocked; texture

medium
Processing
Drying
Difficult t o season, liable t o surface cracks
Working properties
Moderately hard to saw, difficult t o work

w i t h hand tools and machine, does not
give a good finish
Moderately durable to durable
Uses
Axe handles and hammer shafts;

wheels; legs of cots.
cart
142. SYZYGIUM CUMIMI (Linn.) Skeels

(Eugenia jambolana Lamk.)
Myrtaceae
Trade name
jaman
Local names
njaval, njara
Tree
Medium t o very large, 15-35 m i n height

and u p to 120 cm in diameter
Bark light grey w i t h dark patches
Distribution

coast semi-evergreen forests. Often planted as shade trees
Wood
Gross structure
D iff use-poro us
Growth rings
Scarcely distinct
Vessels
Medium to small, numerous, solitary or

i n radial multiples of 2 or 3; often filled
w i t h tyloses and white deposits
Parenchyma
Paratracheal -- wavy or confluent bands
Rays
Fine, numerous, closely spaced
196
Properties
Colour
Pale reddish-grey to brownish-grey, sapwood and heartwood not distinct, lustrous
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Moderately heavy, 670 kg/m3 at 12%m.c.
Grain
Interlocked or curly;
coarse
texture medium to
Strength
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Compression
parallel to grain
Condition
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm2
Green
Air-dry
798
950
Max. crushing
stress
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
cm
kg/cm 2
109,400
126,500
99
66
389
576
Processing
Drying

cover recommended
Working properties
Sawing not difficult, easy to work with

hand tools and machine, can be brought
to a smooth surface
Durable. Heartwood very refractory to

treatment
Uses
Beams, rafters, posts, door and window

frames in building construction; Class I
general purpose plywood; blockboards;
poles and fence posts; agricultural implements; boatbuilding.
197
143. SYZYGIUM GARDNERI Thw.

Myrtaceae
Trade name
jaman
Local name
karinjaval
Tree
Very large, about 35 m in height and

100 cm in diameter
Bark greyish-white, smooth
Distribution
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Fairly distinct
Vessels
Large to medium' and small, numerous,

mostly solitary or in radial multiples of 2
or 3; often filled with tyloses and white
deposits
Parenchyma
Fine wavy tangential bands, often forming

reticulum with rays
Rays
Fine, closely spaced; filled with reddishbrown deposits
Gum canals
Traumatic, horizontal canals occasional
Properties
Colour
Reddish-brown, sapwood and heartwood

not distinct
Hardness
Hard to very hard
Weight

12% m.c.
Grain
970 kg/m 3
at
Processing
Drying

Working properties
Difficult to saw the seasoned wood,

machines fairly well, finishes to a smooth
surface
Non-durable.
treatment
Uses
Country boats; fence posts; packing cases,

temporary construction; low quality furniture.
144. T A M A R I N D U S INDICA Linn.

Caesalpiniaceae
Trade name
imli
Local name
puli
Tree
Large to very large, about 30 m in height

and up t o 150 cm i n diameter
Bark dark grey with longitudinal fissures
and deep cracks
Distribution
Native of Africa.
Cultivated
Wood
Gross structure
D iff usa-porous
Growth rings
Fairly distinct
Vessels
Small to very small, moderately few t o

multiples of 2 4; occasionally filled with
white deposits
Parenchyma
Paratracheal
aliform and fine lines delimiting growth rings
Rays
Properties
Colour
Sapwood yellowish-white to greyishbrown, heartwood dark purplish-brown
Hardness
Hard to very hard
Weight
Heavy to very
heavy,
915 kg/m 3
at
l2% m.c.
Grain
Straight to interlocked and wavy; texture

medium to coarse
199
Strength
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Compression
parallel to grain
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm2
Modu
LI Ius
of
Elasticity
kg/crn2
cm
kg/cm 2
571.7
56,300
96,500
122
81
279.6
494.5
1,040.4
Max. crushing
stress
Processing
Drying
Moderately refractory
Working properties
Green to oven-dry
3.8%
Radial
Tangential
6.1%
Very difficult to work
to
air-seasoning
Shrinkage
Non-durable in exposed conditions
Uses
Internal fittings in buildings; oil and sugar

mill accessories; turnery and carvings; toys;
chopping blocks; tent accessories; wooden
mallets; naves of cart wheels; charcoal.
145.
TECTONA GRANDIS Linn. f.

Verbenaceae
Trade name
teak
Local name
thekku
Tree
Large to very large, 25-45 m in height and

up to 190 cm in dimater
Bark light brown or grey, with shallow

longitudinal furrows
Distribution
Mostly in the Moist teak bearing forest.

Raised extensively in plantations
Wood
Gross structure
Ring-porous
200
Growth rings
Distinct, delimited with early wood vessels
Vessels
Large i n early wood, medium t o small i n

late wood, mostly solitary and in short
radial multiples; occasionally filled with
tyloses and yellowish-white deposits
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - vasicentric and in broad

bands delimiting growth rings
Rays
Moderately broad, fairly wide spaced
Properties
Colour
Sapwood pale yellowish or greyish, heartwood golden brown, occasionally with

dark streaks
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Grain
Straight; texture fine and uneven
Odour
Strength
Characteristic odour
Static Bending
Impact Bending
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/m2
Modu Ius
of
Elasticity
kg/m 2
841
953
109,700
119,600
cm
91
71
to grain
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Compressive
stress a t
elastic limit
kg/cm2
Max.
crushing
stress
kg/cm 2
Modu I us
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
Compressive
stress at
elastic limit
kg/cm2
31 1
376
41 5
532
129,800
137,400
86
101

t o grain
Shear parallel
to grain
Condition
Radial
kg/cm 2
Tangenti a I
kg/cm 2
Radial
kg/cm2
90
97
100
63
58
Green
Air-dry
108
Ta ngent ia I
kg/cm 2
79
66
Processing
Seasons very well, the best model wood
for air-seasoning. Kiln-seasoning also
gives very good results
Drying
Shrinkage
Green t o
Radial
Tangent i a I
over-dry
2.3%
4.8%
Somewhat brittle, works w e l l w i t h hand

tools and machine
Working properties
Very durable.
t o treatment
Uses
A versatile wood. Building construction;

Class I general purpose plywood; decorative plywood; furniture and cabinets; poles
and cross arms; textile m i l l accessories;
musical instruments; mathematical, engineering and drawing instruments; bus bodies; boat and shipbuilding.
146.
T E R M I N A L I A BELLlRlCA (Gaertn.) Roxb.

Combretaceae
Trade name
bahera
Local name
thanni
Tree
Large, 20-30 m i n height w i t h a clear bole

of 10-15 m and up t o 130 cm i n diameter;
buttressed
Bark brownish-grey, with shallow longitudinal fissures
203
Distribution
West coast semi-evergreen, West coast

tropical evergreen, Moist teak bearing and
Wood
Gross structure
D iffuse-porous
Growth rings
Fairly distinct
Vessels
Large t o medium, few t o moderately few,

solitary or i n radial multiples of 2 or 3,
rarely more
Parenchyma
A bu nda nt ; apot r a ch eal and pa rat rac heaI,

in wide broken, wavy or tangential bands,
often a Iiform-confl uent
Rays
Gum canals
Vertical, traumatic, occasional
Properties
Colour
Creamy yellow or yellowish-brown, sapwood and heartwood not distinct
Hardness
Weight
Grain

Strength
Static Bending
Condition
Air-dry
Compression
parallel to grain
~-
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
678.5
995.5
Green
Impact
Bending
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
Max. crushing
stress
cm
kg/cm 2
101,900
122,800
94
112
336.4
501.9
Processing
Drying
Moderately refractory t o seasoning; green

conversion followed by open stacking
under cover recommended. Kiln-seasoning offers no difficulty
Shrinkage
Green to oven-dry
Radial
4 7%
7.7%
Tangential
203
Working properties
Non-durable. Treatable but complete

penetration not always obtained
Uses
Temporary construction-work; general

purpose Class I I plywood; blockboards;
heavy packing cases and boxes.
147. TERMINALIA CHEBULA (Gaertn.) Retz.

Combretaceae
Trade name
myrobalan
Local name
kadukka
Tree
Medium, 12-20 m in height and up t o

60 cm in diameter
Bark dark brown, often with shallow vertical fissures
Distribution
Wood
Gross structure
D iffuse-porous
Growth rings
Scarcely distinct
Vessels
Medium to small, moderately few to maderately numerous, solitary or in radial

multiples of 2, 3 or more; occasionally
filled with white deposits
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - vasicentric to aliform or

aliform-confluent; often filled with white
deposits
Rays
Fine to very fine closely spaced; filled

with white deposits
Gum canals
Vertical,
rows
traumatic,
often in tangential
Properties
Colour
Sapwood grey or yellowish- grey, often

with greenish tinge, heartwood dark brown to reddish- brown
204
Hardness
Very hard
Weight
Heavy to
12% m.c.
Grain
very
heavy,
915 kg/m3
at
Strength
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Condition
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm2
853.1
1,076.6
Green
Air-dry
Compression
parallel to grain
Max. crushing
stress
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
123,700
1 41,800
cm
kg/cm2
102
468.5
565.4
94
Processing
Drying
Refractory to seasoning; green conversion

followed by close stacking and slow drying under cover recommended. Kiln-seasoning gives better results
Shrinkage
Green to oven-dry
5.5%
Radial
Tangential
9.0%
Working properties
Difficult to saw and work, takes

polish
good
Perishable, moderately durable under cover. Heartwood only partially treatable
Uses
Construction purposes as beams, scantlings and planks; tool handles; railway

sleepers; mat hemat ica I , eng i neer i ng, a nd
drawing instruments.
205
TERMINALIA CRENULATA Heyne e x Roth
148.
Combretaceae
Trade name
laurel
Local names
thembavu, karumarurhu
Tree

a clear bole of 8-15 m and up to 100 cm
in diameter
Bark greyish or black with longitudinal
fissures and transverse cracks, exfoliating
in irregular flakes
bearing, Southern moist mixed deciduous
Distribution
Wood
Gross structure
D iff use-po rous
Growth rings
Fairly distinct
Vessels
Large, moderately numerous, solitary or in

radial multiples of 2 or 3; often filled with
tyloses
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - aliform to aliform-confluent and also in fine lines delimiting

growth rings
Rays
Proper ties
Colour
Sapwood pinkish-white to pinkish-grey

or pale grey, heartwood varies considerably
in colour, deep brown with dark streaks
or walnut brown, dull to fairly lustrous
Hardness
Hard to very hard
Weight
Heavy to
12% m.c.
Grain
very
heavy, 880 kg/m 3
at
The laurel tree found in Kerala is Terminalia crenulata [c.f. K. N. Bahadur and R.
Indian J. For. 3 : 367-3691
C. Gaur (1980).
206
Strength
Static
Condition
Bending
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
735
Green
Air-dry
Impact Bending
cm
112
61
105,400
1 18,330
905
t o grain
Condition
Compressive
stress at
elastic limit
kg/cm 2
266
279
Green
Air-dy
Max.
crushing
stress
kg/cm 2
ModuIus
37 7
556
101,300
152,600
Shear parallel
t o grain
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
Compressive
stress at
elastic limit
kg/cm 2
1 09
131
Tension perpendicu la r
t o grain
Condition
Radial
kg/ cm 2
92
105
Green
Air-dry
Tangential
kg/cm 2
109
122
Radial
kg/cm 2
49
28
Tangential
kg/cm 2
52
46
Processing
Drying
Very refractory to seasoning, liable to

warping and end-splitting; green conversion soon after rainy season followed by
stacking under cover w i t h weight t o prevent warping, recommended, With care
kilnseasoning satisfactory
Shrinkage
Green to oven-dry
Radial
4.7%
7.7%
Tangent ial
207
Variable; straight grained wood easy t o
saw, can be worked t o a smooth finish
and takes good polish than the crossgrained wood. Peels satisfactorily Figured
veneers w i t h proper finish and matching,
can be compared w i t h walnut
Working properties
Durable. Heartwood treatable but complete

penetration not always obtained
Uses
Building and bridge construction purposes as beams, rafters, posts, door and
w i n d o w frames; Class I general purpose
and decorative plywood; furniture and
cabinets; blockboards; tool handles; piles,
poles and fence posts; railway sleepers;
sports goods; lorry and bus bodies; cart
and carriages.
149. TERMlNALlA PANICULATA Roth

Combretaceae
Trade name
kindal
Local names
pulla-maruthu,
Tree

of about 10 m and up t o 90 cm i n diameter
maruthi
Bark brown to dark brown, moderately

rough, peels off in thin flakes
Distribution

bearing Southern moist mixed deciduous
Wood
Gross structure
D iffuse-porous
Growth rings
Scarcely distinct
Vessels
Medium t o small, moderately few to few,

often more; occasionally filled w i t h witish
deposits and tyloses
Parenchyma
Paratracheal
vasicentric t o aliform or
aliform-confluent
Rays
Properties
Colour
Sapwood greyish-white, often blotched

w i t h yellow, heartwood greyish-brown,
rather lustrous
Hardness
Hard t o very hard
Weight
Moderately heavy t o heavy, 785 kg/m 3 at

1 2 % m.c.
Grain
Straight t o wavy; texture medium
Strength
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Compression
parallel t o grain
Condition
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
846.7
1 , 117.7
Green
Air-dry
M o d uIus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
cm
kg/cm 2
132,200
142,400
84
102
437.7
639.4
Max. crushing
stress
Processing
Drying
Very refractory to seasoning due t o severe

surface-cracks; green conversion and slow
drying recommended
Shrinkage
Green t o oven-dry
Radial
5.1%
Tangential
8.2%
Working properties
Easy t o saw when green, fairly easy t o

plane, can be brought t o a smooth surface
and takes good polish. Peels well
Non-durable t o moderately durable. Heartwood partially treatable
Uses
Construction purposes as beams, posts,

rafters and planks; tea chests; commercial
grade plywood; blockboards: agricultural
implements; boatbu i Iding; railway sleepers;
lorry bodies.
209
TETRAMELES NUDIFLORA R. Br. ex Benn.
150.
Datiscaceae
Trade name
maina
Local name
cheeni
Tree
Very large, 30-45 m i n height w i t h a

clear bole of 15 m and up t o 180 cm in
diameter; buttressed
Bark greyish-white, lenticellate, smooth,
thick, peels off in papery flakes
West coast semi-evergreen, West coast
tropical evergreen, Moist teak bearing and
Distribution
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels
Very large t o medium and small,

ately numerous to numerous
Parenchyma
Indistinct
Rays
moder-
closely spaced
Properties
Colour
Yellowish-grey or light golden-brown,

lustrous
Hardness
Soft
Weight
Very light, 350 kg/m 3 at 12% m.c.
Grain
Strength
Condition
Static Bending
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Green
Air-dry
290
433
Impact
Bending
Modu Ius
Compression
parallel to grain
Max. crushing
stress
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
cm
kg/cm 2
48,800
60,700
30
41
152
262
210
Processing
Drying
Green conversion and stacking

cover recommended
Working properties
Easy to saw and work,

to a smooth surface
under
can be brought
Non-durable.
Uses
General purpose Class Ill plywood and

veneers; blockboards; packing cases and
boxes; match splints and boxes; boat and
shipbuilding; cooperage.
151.
THESPESIA POPULNEA (Linn.) Soland. ex Correa

Malvaceae
Trade name
bhendi
Local names
cheelant hi, poovarasu
Tree

Bark grey or greyish-brown, smooth or
shallowly fissured
Distribution
I n coastal areas and sometimes

i n villages
grown
Wood
Gross structure
D iffuse-porous
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels

mostly solitary or in radial multiples of 2,
3 or more, occasionally in clusters; often
plugged w i t h dark red gum
Parenchyma
Apotracheai - visible only under lens,

diffuse to diffuse-in-aggregate,
forming
irregular reticulum with rays
Rays
Fine, occasionally moderately broad and

storied
211
Properties
Colour
Sapwood white with a pale yellowish or

pinkish tinge, heartwood reddish- brown
to chocolate brown or purplish-brown
with dark streaks
Hardness
Weight
Moderateiy heavy to heavy, 770 kg/m3 a t

12% m.c.
Grain

medium
Strength
Static Bending
I mpact
Bending
Compression
parallel to grain
Co ndit ion
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm2
945.2
1,204.8
Green
Air-dry
Modulus
of
E Iast ic ity
kg/cm2
Max. crushing
stress
cm
103,600
119,200
160
137
kg/cm
450.9
574 3
Processing
Drying
Working properties
Seasons well
Shrinkage
Green to
Radial
Tangential
oven-dry
3.8%
6.9%
Sawing satisfactory, works well with hand

tools and machine, gives a smooth finish
and takes good polish
Fairly durable.
treatment
Uses
Furniture; tool handles; boat and shipbuilding; mathematical, engineering and

drawing instruments; carts and carriages;
wooden footwear.
212
152. TOONA ClLlATA Roemer

(Cedrela toona Roxb. ex Rottler)
Meliaceae
Trade name
toon
Local names
madagiri-vembu,
Tree
Large, 20-30 m in height w i t h a clear bole

of 9-12 m and 60-90 cm in diameter
vembu,
chuvanna-agil
Bark greyish-brown, thick, rough, exfoliating in irregular woody scales i n o l d

trees
Distribution

hill- top tropical evergreen, West coast
semi-evergreen and occasionally i n Moist
teak bearivg forests
Wood
Gross structure
Semi-ring-porous t o ring-porous
Growth rings
Distinct
Vessels
Large i n the early wood, transition from

early wood to late wood gradual, small
and moderately few i n late wood, solitary
or i n radial multiples of 2 or 3; occasionally filled w i t h dark brown gummy
deposits
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - scanty. faintly delimiting

growth rings
Bays

fairly wide spaced
Gum canals
Vertical, traumatic, occasional
Pith flecks
Often present
rather few,
Properties
Colour
Sapwood pinkish-brown, heartwood reddish-brown, rather lustrous
Hardness
Weight
Light to moderately heavy, 515 kg/m 3 at

12% m.c.
Grain
Straight; texture coarse and uneven
213
Strength
Static Bending
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
cm
436
562
63,980
78,530
58
43
to grain
Condition
Compressive
stress at
elastic limit
kg/cm 2
Condition
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm2
Compressive
stress at
elastic limit
kg/cm 2
21 5
321
61,800
56,950
41
48
Shear parallel
to grain
Radial
kg/cm 2
58
79
Green
Air-dry
Max.
crushing
stress
kg/cm 2
162
184
Green
Air-dry
Impact Bending
t o grain
Tangential
kg/cm 2
Radial
kg/cm 2
70
110
33
45
Tangential
kg/cm 2
40
57
Processing
Drying
Refractory to seasoning, liable t o warp:

green conversion and careful stacking
Working properties
Easy t o saw, machines fairly well, gives a

Non-durable.
treatable
Uses
Furniture and cabinets; general purpose

Class I plywood; blockboards; cigar boxes;
packing cases; textile m i l l accessories;
pencil slats; tennis, badminton and squash racket frames; musical instruments.
Heartwood only
partially
214
153. TREWIA POLYCARPA Benth. ex Hook. f.

Euphorbiaceae
Trade name
Local names
Tree
gutel
pambarakum b i I, thavala
Bark grey, smooth, exfoliating in round,
thin scales
West coast semi-evergreen and Southern
moist mixed deciduous forests, mostly seen
along the banks o f rivers and streams
Distribution
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Vessels
Indistinct
Large to medium. moderately few, solitary
or i n radial multiples of 2, 3 or 5, rarely in
double rows or tangential clusters
Parenchyma
Paratracheal and apotracheal, the former

sparse and the latter abundant
Fine t o very fine, closeiy spaced
Rays
Properties
Colour
White to pale brownish-grey, often discoloured due t o fungal sap stain, sapwood
and heartwood not distinct, lustrous when
freshly cut
Soft
Light to moderately heavy, 560 kg/m3 at
12% m.c.
Hardness
Weight
Grain
Strength
Static Bending
Condition
Green
Air-dry
~~
~~
Impact
Bending
____
--
Modulus
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm2
of
Elasticity
kg/cm 2
cm
68,500
70,100
66
53
392
562
compression
parallel to grain
~-
~ _ _ .
~
-~
Max. crushing
stress
kg/cm 2
192
369
215
Processing
Drying
Seasons well
Working properties
Easy t o saw and work; finishes t o a smooth

surface
Non-durable
Uses
Packing cases and boxes; match splints;

boat and shipbuilding; badminton rackets.
154.
VATERIA INDICA Linn.

( V . malabarica BI.)
Dipterocarpaceae
Trade names
vella-paine,
Indian copal
Local names
vet fa-payin, payin
Tree

of 8-15 m and up t o 140 cm i n diameter
Bark grey, often blotched w i t h green and
white, thick
Distribution

semi-evergreen and West coast secondary
evergreen Dipterocarp forests
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels

mostly solitary and i n short radial multiples, w i t h a tendency towards oblique
grouping; occasionally filled w i t h tyloses
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - vasicentric, as a thin layer

arround resin ducts
Rags
Moderately broad, few, fairly wide spaced,

radial flecks conspicuous
Resin ducts
Vertical, small, visible only under lens,

appearing as scattered white dots; gummy
i nfi Itrat io n abundant
216
Properties
Colour
Sapwood creamy white t o greyish-white,

heartwood grey t o light yellowish or pinkish, turns brown o n exposure
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Moderately heavy, 575 kg/m 3 at 12% m.c,
Grain
Fairly straight t o narrowly

texture medium t o coarse
interlocked;
Strength
Static Bending
Impact
Bending
Condition
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
573.1
770.8
Green
-
Air-dry
Compression
parallel to grain
Max. crushing
stress
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kg/ cm 2
cm
kg/cm 2
109,500
129,800
51
71
300.2
457.5
Processing
Drying
Easy to season; quick surface drying b y

vertical stacking followed* by horizontal
stacking under cover recommended, as
liable lo staining and decay i n green condi tion. Ki ln-season ing d ifficu 1 t
Shrinkage
Working properties
Green to oven-dry
Radial
3.4%
10.4%
Tangential
Easy to saw, finishes t o a smooth surface.

Peels well
Non-durable.
to treatment
Uses
Temporary construction; general purpose

Class I plywood; marine plywood; tea
chests; blockboards; packing cases and
boxes.
217
155.
VATERIA MACROCARPA Gupta

Dip ferocarpaceae
Trade name
vellapine
Local name
vel la-payi n
Tree
Large, about 25 m in height and u p t o

120 c m i n diameter
Bark dark grey, smooth
Distribution
Confined t o the West coast tropical evergreen forest of Muthikulam and Attappady
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels
Moderately large t o small, few to many,

i n oblique groups; filled w i t h tyloses
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - vasicentric and as thin

layer surrounding resin ducts
Rays
Brownish; moderately broad, rather widely spaced
Resin ducts
Small, uniformly scattered, mostly solitary,

rarely i n tangential rows; white gummy
deposits common
Properties
Colour
Sapwood usua I I y w hite or c rea my .-w hite,

heartwood whitish-grey or light yellow,
turning brownish or pinkish o n exposure,
somewhat lustrous when freshly cut
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Moderately heavy, 605 kg/m 3 , air-dry
Grain
Often interlocked;
texture medium t o
coarse and fairly smooth
Processing
Drying
Seasons fairly well
Working properties
Easy t o work.
Peels well
Non-durable
Uses
Packing cases and boxes; Class I plywood;

tea chests.
218
156.
VATICA CHINENSIS Linn.

( V . roxburghiana Bl.)
Dipterocarpaceae
Trade name
vatica
Local name
adakka- payin
Tree
Small t o medium, up t o 20 m i n height

and about 50 c m i n diameter
Bark pale grey, smooth
Distribution

forest of North and Central Kerala
Wood
Gross structure
D iff use- porous
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels
Small, moderately numerous t o numerous,

often solitary; filled w i t h tyloses
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - scanty; apotracheal - diffuse, indistinct around the resin ducts
Rays
Fine t o very fine and comparatively broader, the former i n between the latter
Resin ducts
Very small, visible only under lens, smaller

than pores, mostly solitary, occasionally
2 or 3, i n tangential rows; often filled w i t h
white deposits
Pith flecks
Occasional
Properties
Colour
Sapwood pale yellow t o yellowish-brown

or grey, heartwood yellowish-brown t o
reddish- brown
Hardness
Moderately hard t o very hard
Weight
Grain
Interlocked; texture fine and even
Processing
Drying
Easy t o season
Shrinkage
Green t o oven-dry
Radial
0.8%
Tangential
3.3%
219
Difficult to saw, machines satisfactorily,
works to a good finish
Working properties
Moderately durable
Uses
Building construction;
quality furniture.
157.
plywood;
low
VITEX ALTISSIMA Linn. f .

Ver benaceae
Trade Name
milla
Local names
myla, mylellu
Tree

Bark yellowish-brown, thin
Distribution

bearing and West coast tropical evergreen
forests, occasionally in West coast secondary evergreen Dipterocarp forest
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Fairly distinct
Vessels
Medium to small, moderately few to moderately numerous, mostly solitary or in

radial multiples of 2-4 or in clusters; occasionally filled with tyloses and deposits
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - as tangential lines delimiting growth rings
Rays
Properties
Colour
Light olive-grey to grey with a tinge of

olive-brown, sapwood and heartwood not
distinct
Hardness
Hard
Weight
Grain

Straight to interlocked or wavy; texture
medium to coarse
220
Strength
Impact
Bending
Static Bending
Condition
Green
Air-dry
Compression
parallel t o grain
__ ~ _ _ _ _ _ . _ _ _ _
Modulus
of
Rupture
kgicm2
Modulus
of
Elasticity
kgjcrnz
Max. crushing
stress
cm
kg/cma
909
1,169
130,100
149,400
97
81
505
681
Processing
Drying
Liable to develop end-splits; green conversion recommended
Working properties
Somewhat difficult to saw, works t o a

medium smooth surface and takes good
polish
Very durable
Uses
Building construction; tool handles; railway sleepers; furniture.
158. VITEX LEUCOXYLON Linn. f .

Ver benaceae
Local name
atta-nocchi
Tree

Bark grey, smooth
Distribution
West coast semi-evergreen and Southern

moist mixed deciduous forests, mostly seen
along the banks of streams
Wood
Gross structure
Growth rings
Diffuse- poro us
Fairly distinct
22 1
Vessels
Small to very smail, moderately few to

moderately numerous, mostly solitary or in
radial multiples of two or in tangential
clusters
Parenchyma
Indistinct
Rays
Properties
Colour
Light greyish-brown, sapwood and heartwood not distinct, slightly lustrous
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Grain
Processing
Drying
Difficult to season
Working properties
Moderately easy ,to saw and work, finishes

to a smooth surface, machining satisfact-
ory
Moderately durable
Constructional purposes;
and carriages.
Uses
159.
furniture; carts
WALSURA TRlFOLlA (A. Juss.) Harms

(W. piscida Roxb.)
Meliaceae
Local name
peri I la- pacha
Tree

Bark greyish-brown, tessellated in rectangular pattern, thin
Distribution

South and Central Kerala
Wood
Gross structure
D iffuse-porous
222
Growth rings
Scarcely distinct
Vessels
Small to very small, moderately numerous,

more; often filled with pale brown deposits
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - tangential bands alternate

with wide fibre bands
Rays
Pith flecks
Often present
Properties
Colour
Greyish or yellowish-brown to reddishbrown, sapwood and heartwood not distinct
Hardness
Very hard
Weight
Heavy t o
12% m.c.
very heavy, 830 kg/m3
at
Slightly straight; texture medium to fine
Grain
Processing
Drying
Not refractory to seasoning
Working properties
Difficult t o saw and work, but gives a fine

finish and takes good polish
Durable
Uses
General construction; furniture; carts and

carriages; agricultural implements.
160.
WRlGHTlA TINCTORIA (Roxb.) R. Br.

A pocynaceae
Trade name
dudhi
Local names
aiya-pala, dhantha-pala
Tree
Small, about 10 m in height and 30 cm in

diameter
Bark pale grey, smooth, thin
Distribution

deciduous and Southern dry mixed deciduous forests
223
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Indistinct
Vessels
Small to very small, few to moderately

few, solitary or i n radial multiples of 2-5
or 6, rarely i n short double rows; occasionally filled with orange-brown gummy
deposits
Parenchyma
Indistinct
Rays
Properties
Colour
White to light lemon yellow,

sapwood
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Grain
Straight t o somewhat wavy or curly; texture fine
Processing
Drying
Easy to season
Working properties
Easy to saw and machine, can be brought

to a fine finish
Non-durable
Uses
Chess pieces; mathematical, engineering

and drawing instruments; turnery and carvings: toys.
161.
XYLIA XYLOCARPA (Roxb.) Taub.

Mimosaceae
Trade name
irul
Local names
irul, kadamaram
Tree

Bark reddish-grey,
exfoliating in thick
irregular flakes
224
deciduous and West coast semi-evergreen
forests. Occasional in West coast secondary evergreen Dipterocarp forest
Distribution
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Fairiy distinct
Vessels
Medium to small, moderately few to

moderately numerous, solitary or in short
radial multiples of 2, 3 or rarely more; filled
w i t h orange-brown or reddish-brown
gummy deposits
Parenchyma
Apotracheal - diffus; eparatracheal - vasicentric, occasionally confluent and also

as discontinuous lines delimiting growth
rings
Rays
Properties
Colour
Sapwood pale brownish or pinkish-white,

heartwood light to dark reddish-brown,
often w i t h dark streaks
Hardness
Hard to very hard
Weight
Heavy to
12% m.c
Grain
Straight lo interlocked; texture medium to

fine
very
heavy, 850 kg/m 3
at
Strength
Condition
Static Bending
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Green
Air-dry
81 2.5
1,097.8
Impact
Bending
C o rnpre $s!o n
paraliel to grain
Max. crushing
M o d u l11s
of
E Iasti c it y
kg/cm 2
cm
kg/cm2
1 16.400
142,100
76
74
436.5
714.0
stress
225
Processing
Drying
Green conversion during rainy season and

stacking under cover recommended. Kilnseasoning possible, provided a slow schedule is followed
Working properties
Difficult to saw due to blunting effect on

the saw teeth, can be brought to a smooth
surface and takes good polish
Nataral durability and preservation
Very durable. Very refractory to treatment
Uses
Bridge and building construction; poles,

cross arms, ballies and fence posts; railway
sleepers; boat and shipbuilding; textile
mill accessories; agricultural implements.
162. ZANTHOXYLUM RHETSA (Roxb.) DC.

(Fagara rhetsa Roxb.)
Rutaceae
Trade name
mullilam
Local name
mul Iilam
Tree
Medium to large, 15-22 m in height

and 40-50 cm in diameter
Bark cream coloured, thick, corky with
conical thorns
Distribution
Moist teak bearing and Southern moist

mixed deciduous forests. Occasionally
in West coast semi-evergreen forest
Wood
Gross structure
Diffuse-porous
Growth rings
Distinct
Vessels
Medium to small, moderately numerous to

numerous, solitary or in radial multiples of
2-4 or more; frequently filled with
yellowish deposits
226
Parenchyma
Paratracheal - banded a t regular t o irregular intervals and delimiting growth

rings
Rays
Gum canals
Occasional, vertical
Properties
Colour
Y el lowish-grey, sapwood and heartwood

not distinct
Hardness
Moderately hard
Weight
Moderately heavy,
Grain
Straight to somewhat wavy; texture medium
725 kg/m3, kiln-dry
Strength
Condition
Static Bending
~~
Modulus
of
Rupture
kg/cm 2
Green
Air-dry
Impact
Bending
775.6
1,296.0
Compression
parallel to grain
~ _ _ _ _ -
~~~
ModuIus
of
Elasticity
kg/cm2
Max. crushing
stress
cm
kg/cm2
130,200
114
154,200
137
369.3
636.0
Processing
Drying
Working properties
Seasons well
Sawing and machining satisfactory, takes
good polish. Nail holding capacity good
Moderately durable
Uses
General purpose Class I plywood; aircraft

plywood; marine plywood; furniture and
cabinets; blockboards; tool handles; fence
posts and ballies; artificial limbs and rehabilitation aids; cricket stumps and bails;
turnery; shuttles i n textile mills.
APPENDIX
Explanatory notes on quantitative terms used for description of

species
I Tree height ( metre )
a. Small
b. Medium
I1
up t o 10
10 t o 20
c.
Large
20 t o 30
d.
Very large
More than 30
Gross structure
A.
Vessels
1. Size
a. Very small and small
b.
Medium
Pores just visible t o t h e eye but outlines are not distinct
c.
Large and very large
Pores distinctly visible t o t h e eye
Distribution (Pores/mm 2 )
2.
B.
Pores not visible to t h e eye
a.
Very few
up to 2
b.
Few
c.
Moderately few
2 to 5
5 to 10
d.
Moderately numerous
10 to 20
e.
Numerous
20 to 40
f.
Very numerous
More than 40
Rays
1. Size
a.
Very fine and fine
Not visible or just visible to t h e eye
b.
Moderately broad
Distinctly visible t o t h e eye
c. Broad and very broad
Prominently visible to the eye
2. Distribution (Number of
rays / mm in tangential
longitudinal section )
a.
Very widely spaced
Less than 5
b.
c.
Widely spaced
Closely spaced
5 t o 10
10 or more
228
111 Physical properties
A. Hardness
B.
C.
D.
a.
Very soft and soft
Readily indented by finger nail
b.
Moderately hard
Not easily indented by finger nail but

readily cut by sharp knife
c.
Hard and very hard
Not indented by finger nail and difficult

to cut by sharp knife
Weight/Density
(kg/ms)
a.
Very light and light
Up to 550
b.
Moderately heavy
550 to 750
c.
Heavy and very heavy
More than 750
Texture
a.
Fine
Smooth to feel
b.
Medium
Fairly smooth to feel
c.
Coarse
Rough to feel
Durability (Life span in years

as
obtained in graveyard
tests)
a.
Perishable
Less than 2
b.
Non-durable
2 to 5
c.
Moderately durable
5 to 7
d.
Durable
7 t o 10
e.
Very durable
More than 10
APPENDIX II
Classification of wood according t o end use
Use
indian Standard
Specification
I CONSTRUCTION
(a) Building
IS : 3629 - 1966
IS : 883 - 1970
IS 1003 - 1977
1,2,3,4,5,7,10,11,12,
16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25,
27, 31, 32, 34, 35, 37. 40,
41,43, 44, 46, 47, 49, 51,
53, 54, 57, 59, 66, 69, 70,
71, 72, 74, 79, 80, 81, 82,
83, 88, 91', 92, 94, 95, 96,
99, 103, 104, 105, 108,
109, 113, 114, 116, 117,
120, 124, 125, 129, 131,
133, 139, 140, 142. 145,
146, 147, 148, 149, 156,
157, 158, 159,161
2, 11, 40, 53, 54, 80, 82,
104, 108, 120, 133, 148,
161
(b) Bridge
2, 20, 145, 148, 161
I1 PILES
11, 12, 15, 18, 53, 54, 72,

81, 82, 83, 88, 91, 104,
113, 116, 120, 131, 139,
447, 148, 149, 157, 161
I11 RAILWAY
SLEEPERS
I V POLES, CROSS
ARMS, BALLIES
AND FENCE POSTS
Serial number of t h e species
IS : 3337 - 1965
IS : 3386 - 1965
IS: 8 7 6 - 1 9 7 0
IS : 2203 -. 1976
3, 6, 9, 15, 20, 25, 31, 35,

38, 53, 54, 62, 63, 64, 68,
72, 75, 80, 81, 82, 83, 88,
91,92,106, 116, 120, 142,
143, 145, 148, 149, 161,
162
V PLYWOODAND
VENEERS
(a) General purpose

Class I
3, 10, '17, 20, 31, 32, 41,

47, 49, 50, 51, 53, 54, 55,
70, 74, 79, 93, 99, 105,
113, 114, 118, 142, 145,
148, 152, 154, 155, 162
230
Use
Indian Standard
Specification
Serial number of the species
Class I1
19, 33, 34, 45, 88, 146,

155
Class 111
8, 13, 16, 26, 44, 68, 71,

90, 95, 123, 134, 135.
138, 150
3, 10, 16, 17, 25, 31, 32,
50, 51, 68, 74, 79, 87,
91, 113, 149, 154, 155
(b) Tea chests
: 2202 - 1973
(c) Flush door

shutters
IS
(d) Blockboards
IS : 1659 - 1969
3, 8, 9, 10, 14, 18, 19,

20, 31, 33, 34, 42, 45, 49,
50, 71, 74, 79, 88, 93,
99, 113, 118, 142, 146,
148, 149, 150, 152, 154.
162
(e) Decorative
plywood
IS : 1328 - 1970
9, 10, 11, 41, 47, 49, 57,

69, 71, 79, 105, 128. 145,
148
(f) Aircraft plywood
IS : 4859 - 1968
47, 49, 57, 112, 113, 145,

162
(g) Marine plywood
IS:
710- 1976
IS
1140 - 1970
19, 20, 41, 47, 49, 57,

113, 145, 154, 162
VI MATCHWOOD
(a) Splints
(b) Boxes
3, 9, 10, 11, 12, 20, 32,

33, 45, 47, 50, 71
8, 13, 16, 26, 29, 33, 39.

58, 59, 61, 65, 76, 77,
78, 86, 87, 90, 95, 99,
101, 114, 118, 123, 127,
132, 134, 137, 138, 150,
153
8, 26, 39, 65, 67. 76, 87,
99, 101, 123, 127, 132,
134, 137, 138, 150
231
Uses
VII
PACKING CASES
AND BOXES
VIII FURNITURE
AND CABINETS
IX
TOOL HANDLES
AGRICULTURAL
IMPLEMENTS
Indian Standard
Specification
IS : 6662
- 1972
I S : 300
- 1963
I S : 620
- 1975
3, 8, 9, 13, 14, 23, 2,5.

26, 28, 29, 31, 33, 39,
42, 44, 46, 58, 59, 61,
63, 64, 65, 67, 68, 71,
73, 76, 77, 78, 84, 85,
86, 87, 89, 90, 93,95, 99,
101, 102, 103, 106, 107,
114, 117, 118, 122, 123,
127, 132, 134, 135, 136,
137, 138, 140, 146, 150,
152,153, 154, 155
4, 9, 10, 11, 14, 16, 17,
18, 19, 28, 21, 22, 23,
28, 30, 31, 32, 33, 40,
41, 43, 44, 45, 47, 49,
50, 51, 55, 56, 57, 66,
68, 69, 70, 72, 74, 76,
79, 88, 91, 92, 93, 95,
99, 100, 103, 105, 107,
108, 109, 110, 113, 125,
139, 145, 148, 151, 152,
157, 158, 159, 162
2, 3, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 15,

20, 22, 24, 27, 35, 36, 37,
43, 45, 47, 49, 50, 57,
66, 69, 70, 72, 74, 79,
81, 91, 92, 96, 104, 106,
108, 109, 111, 113, 119,
120, 131, 133, 139, 140,
141, 147, 148, 151, 157,
162
1, 2, 5, 7, 15, 22, 24, 27,
36, 40, 62, 66, 72, 75,

79, 94, 96, 104, 108, 115,
121, 122, 129, 130, 131,
142, 149, 159, 161
232
Use
Standard
Specification
Indian
Serial number of
the species
1, 2, 18, 20, 24, 26, 31,

32, 35, 49, 53, 54, 70,
72, 81, 91, 92, 96, 97,
99, 104, 108, 120, 133,
135, 142, 143, 145, 149,
150, 151, 153, 161
XI
BOAT AND SHIPBUILDING
XI1
LORRY AND BUS

BODIES
XI11
CARTS AND
CARRIAGES
XIV
PENCIL SLATS
XV
BENTWOOD
ARTICLES AND
TOY
8, 22, 24, 26, 28, 41, 47,

61, 74, 79, 91, 99, 100,
103, 112, 124, 127, 160
XVI
TURNERY,
CARVINGS AND
4, 5, 6, 9, 16, 19, 20,

21, 22, 24, 25, 36, 40,
41, 47, 52, 56, 62, 69,
IS : 2179
- 1962
3, 10, 19, 20, 24, 70

72, 88, 91, 120, 139, 145:
148, 149
2, 10, 11, 12, 15, 20,
23, 24, 27, 36,, 46, 53,
54, 66, 70, 72, 81, 83,
91, 104, 119, 120, 125,
129, 131, 133, 139, 141,
144, 148, 151, 158, 159
IS : 3084 - 1975
8, 13, 16, 25, 26, 33,

59, 70, 77, 87, 35. 127'
137, 152
85, 88, 93, 98, 100, 108,

111, 117, 121, 124, 126,
128, 139, 144, 160, 162
XVII
49, 70, 74, 99, 105, 109,

117
SHOE-LASTS
XVIII TEXTILE
ACCESSORIES
IS 1048 - 1957
IS : 2579 - 1963
IS : 2623 - 1964
IS : 2624- 1964
IS : 2625 - 1964
15, 20, 24, 41, 45, 47,

49, 52, 57, 70, 71, 74,
79, 87, 91, 99, 105, 113,
117, 145, 152, 161, 162
Use
Indian Standard
Specification
IS 3496 - 1966
IS : 441 6 - 1967
IS : 5141 - 1969
IS : 1724 - 1971
I S : 3265 - 1971
IS : 2058 - 1973
IS : 9337 - 1979
XIX
SPORTS GOODS
I S : 2460 - 1963
I S : 2461 - 1963
IS : 2462 - 1963
IS : 2463 - 1963
IS 2719 - I 9 6 4
IS : 4143 - 1967
IS : 4613 - 1968
I S : 4614 - 1968
IS : 4980 - 1968
IS : 5172 - 1969
I S 5214 - 1969
I S : 5739 - 1970
IS : 6621 - 1972
I S : 6978 - 1973
IS : 2578 - 1978
I S 830 - 1979
2, 15, 20, 25, 47,

57, 70, 72, 74, 91,
104, 105, 109, 120,
128, 148, 152, 153,
162
49,
100,
127,
160,
XX
MUSICAL
INSTRUMENTS
10, 12, 19, 47, 49, 70,

74, 75, 108, 145, 152
XX I
M ATHEM AT1CA L,
ENGINEERING
AND DRAWING
INSTRUMENTS
10, 11, 12, 19, 20, 21,

40, 47, 49, 52, 55, 57,
71, 74, 75, 87, 105, 109,
145, 147, 151, 160
XXII ARTIFICIAL
LIMBS AND
REHABILITATION AIDS
IS : 5143 - 1969
IS : 5145 - 1969
IS : 7924 - 1976
47, 57, 70, 71, 87, 91,

95, 104, 127, 162
234
Use
Indian Standard
Specification
XXIII BATTERY
SEPARATORS
74, 104
XXIV BRUSHWARE
1 9 , 20, 34, 70,

87, 88
XXV COOPERAGE
20, 24, 26, 32, 57, 70,
72, 74.
87, 91, 93, 109, 150
XXVI TENT
ACCESSORIES
2, 7, 72, 131, 144
APPENDIX III
Glossary
Air-dry moisture content: the equilibrium moisture content of wood for conditions
outdoors but under cover; see also seasoning.
Air- seasoning:
see seasoning.
a type of paratracheal parenchyma that extends out from the

flanks of a pore, forming an eyelet w i t h it.
Aliform parenchyma:
Annual growth ring:
layer of w o o d laid d o w n during a single growing season. In

the temperate wood, annual growth rings are readily distinguished because
of differences i n the cells formed during early and late parts of the season.
In some temperate and most of the tropical wood, annual growth rings are
not easily distinguished.
Annual increment:
see annual growth ring.
Annual ring: see annual growth ring.

Apotracheal-banded parenchyma:
see banded parenchyma.
Apotracheal diffuse-in-aggregate parenchyma:
apotracheal parenchyma cells that

tend t o be grouped i n short tangential lines from ray to ray as seen i n cross
section; same as diffuse-zonate parenchyma.
Apotracheal-diffuse parenchyma: single apotracheal parenchyma strands or cells

distributed irregularly among fibres or tracheids,
Apotracheal parenchyma: axial parenchyma independent of the pores or vessels,

includes marginal, diffuse, diffuse-in-aggregate and banded apotracheal
parenchyma. Formerly known as metatracheal parenchyma.
Axial parenchyma:
parenchyma cells derived from fusiform cambial initials; also

known as longitudinal parenchyma.
Axial strand parenchyma:
cells of axial parenchyma arranged i n a r o w along the
grain.
Banded parenchyma: axial parenchyma forming concentric lines or bands as seen i n

cross section; termed apotracheal-banded, i f independent of the pores, and
paratracheal-banded, if definitely associated w i t h the pores.
Bark: the tissues in the cylindrical axisof a tree outside of the cambium; composed
of inner living bark and outer dead bark.
Bending stress: see stress.

Biseriate ray: ray consisting of t w o rows of cells, as viewed i n the tangential section.
Blockboard: a plywood board i n which veneer layers used i n the core are replaced
b y blocks of wood; the direction of grain of the blocks running at right
angles t o that of the adjacent veneer.
236
Bole: the main trunk of a tree capabla of yielding logs or large poles.
Built-up timber: an assembly made by joining layers of wood together with mechanical fastenings so that the grain of a l l laminations is essentially parallel;
see laminated wood.
Buttress: a ridge of wood developed i n the angle between a lateral root and the
butt of a tree, which may sometimes extend up the stem to a considerable
height.
Checks:
ruptures along the grain that develop during seasoning either because of
difference in radial and tangential shrinkage or because of uneven shrinkage
of the tissues i n adjacent portions of the wood.
Close-grained wood: wood with narrow, inconspicuous growth rings. The term is
sometimes used to designate wood having small and closely spaced pores,
but i n this sense the term "fine textured" is more often used.
Coarse-grained wood: wood with wide conspicuous growth rings in which there is
considerable difference between early wood and late wood. The term is
sometimes used to designate wood with large pores, but i n this sense the
term "coarse textured" is more often used.
Compression stress:
see stress.
Compression wood: see reaction wood.

Cooperage: containers consisting of two round heads and a body composed of
staves held together with hoops, such as barrels and kegs.
Cross-grained wood: wood in which the fibres deviate from a line parallel to the
sides of the piece. Cross grain may be either diagonal or spiral or a
combination of the two.
Curly grain: grain that results from more or less abrupt and repeated right and l e f t
deviations from the vertical, in fibre alignment.
Density/Weight: mass per unit volume of wood. It is expressed as kilogram per
cubic metre a t a specified moisture content.
Diameter at breast height (d. b. h.): it is a conventional height at which the
diameter/girth of a standing tree is measured. It is 1.30 m above the
ground level. In buttressed trees, the measurement is taken just above the
point of the emergence of the buttress.
Diffuse parenchyma: apotracheal parenchyma, the cells of which are scattered i n
the growth ring; see apotracheal-diffuse parenchyma.
Diffuse-inaggregate parenchyma:
see apotracheal diffuse-in-aggregate-parenchyma
Diffuse-porous wood: see porous wood.

Diffuse-zonate parenchyma:
see apotracheal diffuse-in-aggregate parenchyma.
Durability: a genera! term for permanence or resistance t o deterioration. Frequently

used to refer to the degree of resistance of a speciesof wood to attack by
rganisms like fungi, insects (b

itions t h a t favour such attack,
ual growth ring that is formed during the early
see late wood.
SO that the face of the board is
i n the radial plane of the log; commercial timber isconsidered edge-grained
when the angle between surface and growth ring liss between 45 o and
90o w i t h the wide surface of the pieces (syn. vertical grain, rift grain and
Edge grain: figure i n lumber w h i c h has been sawn
quarter sawn).
Fibre: an elongated cell w i t h pointed ends and a thick or not infrequently a t h i n
wall; includes ( 1 ) fibre tracheids w i t h bordered pits and (2) libriform
fibres w i t h simple pits.
Fibreboard: a broad generic term inclusive of sheet materials of widely varying

densities manufactured of refined or partially refined wood (or other
vegetable) fibres. Bonding agents and other materials may be added to
increase strength, resistance to moisture, fire, decay or t o improve some
other property.
Figure:
the pattern produced i n a w o o d surface by annual growth rings, rays, knots,

deviations from regular grain such as interlocked and wavy grain, and
irregular coloration.
Finish (Finishing of wood products): coatings of paint, varnish, lacquer, wax etc.
applied t o surfaces of wood products t o protect and enhance their appearance or durability.
Flecks: see ray.

Grain: the direction, size, arrangement, appearance or quality of the fibres in wood.
Gum: a comprehensive term for non-volatile viscous plant exudates, which either
dissolve or swell u p i n contact w i t h water and are not soluble i n alcohol.
Hardboard: a generic term for a panel manufactured primarily from interfelted

ligno-cellulosic fibres (usually wood), consolidated under heal and
pressure i n a hot press t o a density of 500 kg/m 3 or greater, and to which
other materials may have been added during manufacture to improve
certain properties.
Hardness: a property of w o o d that enables it t o resist indentation.

Hardwood: Wood produced by angiosperms, same as orouswood, i n contrast t o the
conifers or softwood. The term has no reference t o the actual hardness of
the wood.
Heart check: wood separation formed in the radial plane; also called heart shake
and rift crack; see shake.
Heart shake: separation of wood across the ring and generally following the rays;
also called heart check and rift crack.
Heartwood: dead inner core of a woody stem (or a log), generally distinguishable
from the outer portion (sapwood) by its darker colour; see sapwood.
Impact bending: a strength test to ascertain resistance of wood to impact load.
Expressed i n cm, the maximum height of drop of a 22.68 kg hammer.
Initial parenchyma:
see marginal apotracheal parenchyma,
Interlocked-grain: a condition produced i n wood by the alternate orientation of

fibers in successive layers of growth increments.
Kiln-seasoning: see seasoning,
Kino: an astringent exudation from wood.
Laminated wood: an assembly made by bonding layers of wood with an adhesive so
that the grain of a l l laminations is essentially parallel; see built-up timber
Late wood: the portion of the annual growth ring that is formed after the early
wood formation has ceased (during the summer); summer wood; see early
ivood.
Longitudinal parenchyma: see axial parenchyma
Marginal apotracheal parenchyma: apotracheal parenchyma, the cells of which occurs
singly or form a more or less continuous layer of variable width a t the close
of a season's growth, in which c a s e it may also be called terminal parenchyma, or a t the beginning of a season's growth, when it may also be termed
initial parenchyma.
Metatracheal parenchyma: same as apotracheal parenchyma
Micron:
a unit of length, one-millionth of a meter (p), 10-cm; also expressed as

micrometer (pm).
Modulus of elasticity (MOE) : the modulus of elasticity calculated from bending

tests.
Modulus of rupture (MOR) : the maximum bending load to failure in kg/cm 2 .
Moisture content (m.c.) : the amount of water contained i n the wood, usually expressed as a percentage of weight of the oven-dry wood.
Multiseriate ray: ray consisting of sevaral to many rows of cells, as viewed i n the
tangential section,
Oven-dry wood: wood dried t o a relatively constant weight in a ventilated oven a t
101o to 105C.
Paperboard: the distinction between paper and paperboard i s not sharp, but broadly
speaking, the thicker (over 0.031 cm)r heavier and more rigid grades of
paper are called paperboard.
Paratracheal banded parenchyma
see banded parenchyma
Paratracheal confluent parenchyma: coalescent aliform parenchyma forming irregular

tangential or diagonal bands.
239
Paratracheal
parenehyma:
parenchyma
associated with
vessels
or
vascular
tracheids.
Paratracheal scanty parenchyma: isolated parenchyma cells associated w i t h vessels.

Paratracheal vasicentric parenchyma: paratracheal parenchyma forming a complete
sheath around a vessel.
Parenchyma (soft tissue, storage tissue):
tissue composed of cells that are isodiametric and have simple pits; functioning primarily in the metabolism
and storage of food materials. These cells remain functional longer than
the tracheids, fibres and vessel segments. Parenchymatous cells that are
arranged i n vertical strands, known more specifically as axial parenchyma,
and those that are in horizontal series in the rays, as ray parenchyma.
panels manufactured from ligno-cellulosic materials - commonly

wood - essentially i n the form of particles (as distinct from fibres). The
materials a r e bonded together w i t h synthetic resin or other suitable binder,
under heat and pressure, b y a process wherein the interparticle bonds are
created wholly by the added binder.
Particleboard:
Peel:
to convert a log into veneer by rotary cutting.
Pile:
a long, heavy timber, round or square cut, that i s driven deep into the ground
t o provide a secure foundation for structures built o n soft, wet, or submerged sites.
Pith fleck: small areas of wound tissue darker or lighter than the surrounding
tissue, produced i n wood through injury t o the cambium b y larvae of the
insects and subsequent occlusion of the resulting tunnels w i t h parenchymatous cells.
Plywood: a composite panel made up of cross-banded layers of veneer bonded
w i t h an adhesive. Generally the grain of one or more plies is roughly a t
right angles to the other plies, and almost always an odd number of plies
are used.
Pore:
cross section of a vessel; a vessel as it appears on a transverse surface or in

a transverse section of wood; see vessels.
Pore chain: several to many pores arranged i n a radial line or series, the adjacent
pores retaining their separate identities.
Pore cluster: nested pores or an irregular aggregation of pores.

Pore multiple: group of t w o or more pores contiguous radially and flattened along
the lines of contact so as t o appear as subdivisions of a single pore.
Porous wood: wood containing pores or vessels.

a) Ring-porous wood: porous wood i n which pores are comparatively
large at the beginning of each annual ring and they decrease i n size more
or less abruptly towards the outer portion of the ring, thus forming a distinct iriner zone of pores (early wood) and an outer zone w i t h small pores
(late wood).
b) Diffuse-porous wo
orous w o o d in which the pores exhibit littfe or
no variation in size indicative of seasonal growth.
any substance that, for a reasonable length of time, is effeotive in
preventing the development and action of fungi, insects (beetles, termites)
and marine borers that deteriorate wood.
Preservative:
Quarter sawn: the wide face of the board is the radial face of the log; same as
edge grain.
Radial section: section cut along the grain parallel t o the w o o d rays and usually a t
right angles t o the growth rings: see tangential section.
Ray: ribbon-shaped strand of tissue extending i n a radial direction across the grain,
so oriented that the face of the ribbon is exposed as a fleck o n the quarter
surface; see wood ray.
Rag parenchyma: parenchyma composing the rays wholly or i n part (syn. radial
parenchyma.)
Reaction wood:
wood w i t h distinctive anatomical and physical characteristics,

formed i n parts of leaning or crooked stems and i n branches. In dicotyledons, reaction wood is known as tension wood and i n gymnosperms, as
compression wood.
Resin: natural polymer secreted by plant tissues i n special cavities or passages,
collected by tapping. Insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol, ether or carbon
disuiphide.
Resin duct:
tubular, intercellular space sheathed by secreting cells (epithelium),

that contain and transmit resinous materials.
Rift crack: see heart check, heart shake.

Rift grain:
see edge grain.
Ring-porous wood: see porous wood.

Sapwood: the portion of the wond that i n the living tree contains living cells and
reserve materials.
Seasoning: removal of moisture from green wood either by (a) exposure to air under
cover without arificial heat (air-seasoning) or (b) drying i n a kiln w i t h arifici a l heat (kiln-seasoning); see also air-dry moisture content.
Shake:
rupture of cell or between cells resulting i n t h e formation of an opening in

the grain of the wood; the opening may develop a t the common boundary
of t w o rings or within a growth ring; see heart check, heart shake.
Shear stress:
see stress.
Shrinkage: expressed as the percentage change in dimension of wood w i t h respect

t o the swollen size as a basis.
Softwood: wood produced by conifers, in contrast t o the wood produced b y angiosperms or hardwood. The term has no reference t o the actual hardness of
the wood,
wood in which the fibres are aligned i n

around the axis of the bole; see cross-grained wood.
Spiral-grained wood:
helical orientation
Static bending: bending under a constant or slowly applied load; flexure.

wood i n which the fibres run parallel t o axis of the bole.
Straight-grained wood:
Stress: force per unit area; expressed as primary stresses, compression, w i t h forces
acting towards each other, tension, with forces acting against each other, or
shear, w i t h forces sliding o n each other; a combination of primary forces
produces bending stress.
Tangential section: section cut along the grain a t right angles to t h e wood rays; see
radial section.
Tension stress:
see stress.
Tension wood:
see reaction wood.

see marginal apotracheal parenchyma.
Terminal parenchyma:
Texture of wood:
impression resulting from the size and the proportional amounts

of wood elements; i n the hardwoods, the tangential diameter and number
of vessels and rays; a term often used interchangeably w i t h grain. Somerimes used to combine the concepts of density and degree of contrast
between early w o o d and late wood. I n this handbook texture refers t o t h e
finer structure of the wood (see grain) rather than the growth ring.
Tubercles: a wart-like excrescence or outgrowth

Tyloses:
sac-like or cyst-like structures that sometimes develop in a vessel and

rarely in a fibre because of tho proliferation of the protoplast o f a
parenchyma cell through a pit pair (sing. tylosis).
Vasicentric parenchyma:
Veneer:
see paratracheal vasicentric parenchyma.
thin sheet o f wood sliced, sawed, or rotary--cut from a log.
Vertical grain: see edge grain.

Vessels: wood cells of comparatively large diameter that have open ends and are
set one above the other to form continuous tubes. T h e openings of the
vessels o n the surface of a piece of wood are usually referred t o as pores.
Warping: any distortion i n a piece of wood from its true plane t h a t may occur
during seasoning.
Wavy-grained wood:
wood in which the fibres collectively take the form of waves
or undulations.
Wood: the principal strengthening and water-conducting tissue of trees, (syn,
xylem tissue).
Wood ray: that portion of a ray included in the wood; see ray
Workability: the degree of ease and smoothness of cutting wood w i t h hand tools
or machine.
Xylem tissue:
see wood.
REFERENCES
Ananthanarayana, A.K. and Jain, J.C. 1979. Studies on the physical and mechanical properties of Tamarindus indica Linn. (Imili). J. Ind. Acad. Wood
Sci ,10: 25-30.
Bahadur, K.N. and Gaur, R C. 1980. A note on the Terminalia tornentosa complex.
Indian J. For., 3: 367-369.
Bourdillon, T. F. 1908. The Forest Trees of Travancore.
Trivandrum, 456p.
Brandis, D. 1906. Indian Trees.
( 1 971 reprint), 767p.
Government Press,
Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh, Dehra Dun
Champion, H.G. and Seth, S.K. 1968. A Revised Survey of the Forest Types of India.
Manager of Publications, Delhi, 402p.
Chandrasekharan, C. 1960. Forest Types of Kerala State.
for Diploma in Forestry. FRI, Dehra Dun, 237p.
Special paper submitted
Chandrasekharan, C. 1973. Forest Resources of Kerala: A quantitative assessment.

Kerala Forest Department, Trivandrum, 242p.
Chowdhury, K.A. and Ghosh, S. S. 1958.
Delhi, v. 1, 304p.
Indian Woods.
Manager of Publications,
Coconut Stern Utilization Seminar. 1977. Nukualofa, 25-29 October 1976. Ministry
of Foreign Affairs, Wellington, New Zealand, 521p.
Coconut Wood. 1979. Manila and Zamboanga, 22-29 October.
Philippine Coconut Authority, 269p.
CSIR, India. 1948/1976. Wealth of India: Raw Materials.

mation Directorate, Delhi, 11. v.
The Proceedings.
Publication and Infor-
Dadswell, H.E. 1972. The Anatomy of Eucalypt Woods. Forest Products Loboratory, Division of Applied Chemistry Technological Paper, No. 66. CSIRO,
Australia, 28p.
Dey, A.C and Ramaswami, S . 1960. Indian woods tested for match manufacture.
Indian Forest Bull. (n.s.), No.203:I-41.
FRI, India. 1968.
15p.
Indian timbers.
Laurel.
Information Series 2, FRI, Dehra Dun,
FRI, India. 1968.

1l p .
Indian timbers.
Haldu.
FRI, India. 1969.

12p.
Indian timbers.
Toon.
FRI, India. 1970.

941p.
Indian Forest Utilization.
Manager of Publications, Delhi, 2. v.,
243
FRI, India. 1970.
Indian timbers.
Mango.
Information Series 5, FRI, Dehra
Dun, I l p .
FRI, India. 1970. Indian timbers.
Dehra Dun, 12p.
FRI, India. 1971.

Dun, 12p.
Indian timbers.

Dun, 15p.
Kokko (Siris).
Hopea.
Semul.
Information Series 6,
FRI,
Information Series 8 , FRI, Dehra

Information
Series 9, FRI, Dehra
Rosewood.

Dun, 17p.
Bijasal.
Gamari.
FRI, India. 1974.

Dun, 14p.
Indian rimbers.

Dehra Dun, 9p.
FRl, India. 1974.
Dun, 18p.
Chickrassy.
Information
Series
1 1,

Dehra Dun, 13p.
FRI,
Information Series 15,
FRI,
Indian timbers.
Mesua.

Dun, 12p.
Champ.
lnformation Series 17,
FRI, India.
Gurjan.
Information Series 19, FRI,
1976. Indian timbers.

Dun, 22p.
FRI, India. 1977.

Dun, 9p.
Indian timbers.
Benteak.
FRI, Dehra
Dehra
Gamble, J.S. 1922. A Manual of Indian Timbers. Bishen Singh and Mahendra
Pal Singh, Dehra Dun (1972 reprint), 868p.
Gamble, J.S. and Fischer, C.E.C. 1915. Flora of the Presidency of Madras.
Botanical Survey of India, Calcutta (1967 reprint), 3.v., 1389p.
IAWA, Committee on Nomenclature. 1964. Multilingual Giossary of terms used
in Wood Anatomy. Inter, Assoc, Wood Anatomists, Rijksherbarium.
The Netherlands, 186p.
Indian Standards Institution. 1962. Specification
Indian Standard: 2 179 - 1962.
for timber for lorry bodies.
Indian Standards Institution. 1963. Specification for pomelled horse, vaulting

horse and vaulting buck used in gymnastics. fndian Standard : 2460 - 1963.
Indian Standards Institution. 1963. Specification for balancing beams used in
gymnastics. Indian Standard: 2461 - 1963.
Indian Standards Institution. 1963. Specification for
gymnastics. Indian Standard: 2462 - 1963.
parallel
bars
used
in
244
Indian Standards Institution. 1963. Specification for rings used i n gymnastics.
Indian Standard: 2463 - 1963.
Indian Standards Institution. 1964. Classification of
their zonal distribution. Indian Standard: 399
commercial timbers and
- 1963.

cotton looms. Indian Standard: 2579 - 1963.
cotton looms. Indian Standard: 2623 - 1964.
box
back
blanks
for
blanks for s k y caps for
Indian Standards Institution. 1964. Specification for blanks for s k y races for
cotton looms. lndian Standard: 2624 - 1964.
Indian Standards Institution. 1964 Specification for blanks for sky bottoms for
cotton looms. Indian Standard 2625 - 1964.
Indian Standards Institution. 1964.
Standard: 2719 - 1964.
Specification for carrom boerds.
Indian
Indian Standards Institution. 1965. Specification for ballies for general purpose.
lndian Standards Institution. 1968. Specification
Indian Standaid: 3496 - 1966
for
for
wooden
dobby
fence
posts.
lags and pegs.
Indian Standards Institution.

1987. specification for wooden flush door shutters
(solid core t y p e ) . Part I I . Particleboard and hardboard face panels
(First revision). Indian Standard: 2202 (Part II) - 1966.
indian Standards Institution. 1967. Specification
building. Indian Standard: 3629 - 1966.
for
structural
timber
in
Specification for carrom-draughts.
Indian
indian Standards Institution. 1968.

Standard: 4416 1967.
Specification for dobby barrels.
Indian

461 3 - 1968.
1968.
Specification for javelins. Indian Standard:
lndian Standards Institution.

4614 - 1968.
1968.
Specification for hurdles. Indian Standard:

Standard: 4143 - 1967.
Indian Standards Institution. 1969. Specification for high strength aircraft plywood. Indian Standard: 4859 - 1968.
Indian Standards Institution. 1969. Specification for clubs, Indian. Indian Standard:
4980 - 1968.
Indian Standards Institution. 1969. Specification for wooden cones for winding
yarn. Indian Standard: 5141 - 1969.
245
Indian Standards Institution. 1969. Specification for adjustable wooden crutches, lndiari Standard: 5143 - 1969.
Standard: 5145 - 1969,
specification for walking sticks.
Indian

Standard: 5172 - 1969.
Specification for balancing bench.
Indian

standards. Indian Standard. 521 4 - 1969.
for jumping
and
vaulting
tndian Standards Institution. 1971. Code for practice for design of structural
timber in building. (Third revision). Indian Standard: 833 - 1970.
lndian
Standards Institution. 1971 Specification for wood poles for overhead

power and telecommunication lines. (Second revision). Indian Standard:
876 - 1970
Indian Standards Institution. 1971. Specification for logs for matches.

revision). Indian Standard: 1140 - 1970.
wood. (First revision).
(First
1971. Specifidation for veneered decorative ply.

Indian Standards Institution, 1971. Specification for wooden warp bobbins for
rabbeth spindles. (Second revision). Indian Standard: 1724 - 1971.
Indian Standards Institution. 1971. Specification for weft pirns (taper fit) for
use in shuttles for plain Calico looms. (First revision). Indian Standard:
3265 - 1971.
Indian Standards Institution. 1971. Specification for track and field equipment
Indian Standard: 5739 .- 1970.
(sports goods for schools)
Indian Standards Institution. 1973. Specification For cricket sturnps and bails.
Indian Standards Institution. 1973. Specification for timber species suitable for
wooden packing. Indian Standard: 6662 - 1972.
indian Standards
Standard:
lndian Standards
automatic
Indian Standards
timbers.
Institution.
1973. Specification for chess pieces. Indian
6978 - 1973.
Institution. 1974. Specification for shuttle for pirn-changing
cotton looms. (First revision). Indian Standard: 205. - 1973.
Institution. 1974. Key for the identification of commercial
(First revision) Indian Standard: 4970 - :973.
Indian Standards Institution. 1975. specification for general requirements for

wooden tool handles. (Third revision). Indian Standard: 620 - 1975.
lndian Standards Institution. 1975. Specification for pencil slats. (First revision).
for marine
plywood. [First
246
Indian Standards Institution. 1976. Specification for wooden handles for felling
axes and hand axes. Indian Standard: 2891-1975.
thigh blocks,
wooden.
Indian Standards Institution. 1977. Specification for wooden cross arms. (First
Indian Standards Institution. 1978. Specification for timber of panelled and glazed
shutters. Part I. Door shutters. (Second revision). Indian Standard:
1003 1977.
Indian Standards Institution, 1979. Specification for tennis racket frames. (Second
lndian Standards Institution. 1979. Specification for squash racket frames. (First
revision). Indian Standard: 2578 1978.
lndian Standards Institution. 1980.

Specification for
btockboards.
(Second
Indian Standards Institution. 1980. Specification for bobbins and pirns used i n
textile mills. Part I. Wooden flyer bobbins Indian Standard: 9337 (Part I ) 1979. (Superseding IS: 3833 - 1966).
Jain, J.D. and Gupfa, V.K. 1979. A note on physical and mechanicai properties of
Tetrameles nodiflora (Maina) from Assam. Indian For., 105:369 - 376.
Kinns, H.E. 1925. A note on the working qualities of some common Indian timbers.
Forest Bulletin (Economics series), No.66. Government of India, Central
publishing Branch, Calcutta, 43p.
Limaye, V.D. and Sen, B.R. 1956. Weights and specific gravities of
Indian For. Rec. (n.s.), Timber Mechanics, 1:75-107.
Metcalfe, C.R. and Chalk, L. 1950. Anatomy of the Dicotyledons.
ity Press, London (1972 reprint), 2. v., 1500p.
Indian woods.
Oxford Univers-
Nair, P.N. and Nair, C.S. 1970. An Index to the Important Forest Plants of
Kerala. Forest Department Publication No. 4, Kerala Forest Department,
Trivandrum, 113p.
Negi, G.T. and Bhatia, D.N. 1958. Physical and mechanical properties of wood
tested at FRI. Report No. 10. Indian For. Rec. (n. s.), Timber Mechanics,
1: 171-184.
Pearson, R.S. and Brown, H.P. 1932. Commercial Timbers of India. ,Government
of India. Central Publishing Branch, Calcutta, 2. v., 115Op.
Rajput, S.S. and Shukla, N.K. 1979. A Review o f the Classification of Timber
for Different End Uses. Directorate of Forest Products Research, FRI,
Dehra Dun.
Ramesh Rao, K. 1963. Indian Woods: Their Identification, Properties and Uses.
Manager of Publications, Delhi, v. 2, 386p.
247
Ramesh Rao, K and Juneja, K.B.S 1971. A Handbook for Field ldentificaiion of
Fifty Important Timbers of India. FRI Publications, Dehra Dun, 123p.
Ramesh Rao, K. and Purkayastha, S.K. 1972.
lications, Delhi, v. 3, 262p.
Indian Woods.
Manager of Pub-
Rawat, B.S and Pant, B.C. 1980. Studies on working qualities of some Indian
timbers. Indian For., 106: 60-78.
Rawat, B.S.; Rajput, S.S. and Pant, B C. 1972. A note on the working qualities
of some Indian timbers. Indian For., 98: 6695-76.
Rawat, B.S. ; Rajput, S.S. and Pant, B.C. 1976.
Indian timbers Indian For., 102: 43-56.
Studies on working qualities of
Rawat, B.S.; Rajput, S.S. and Pant, B.C. 1977. Studies on working qualities of
Indian timbers - IV. J. Indian Acad. Wood Sci., 8: 7-16.
Rawat, B.S.; Rajput, S.S. and Pant, B.C. 1979. Studies on working qualities of
Indian timbers. pt. 2. Holzforschung und Holzverveertung, 28: 37-41.
Sekhar, A.C and Bhatia, D.N. 1957. Physical and mechanical properties of
woods tested at FRI. Reprot 4. Indian For. Rec. (n. s.), Timber Mechanics, 1: 137-146.
Sekhar, A.C. and Bhatia, D.N. 1957. Physical and mechanical properties
Indian For. Rec. (n. s.), Timber
of wood tested a t FRI. Report 8.
Mechanics, 1: 155-162
Sekhar, A.C. and Bhatnagar, S.S. 1957. Physical and mechanical properties of
woods tested a t FRI. Report 5. Indian For. Rec. (n s.), Timber
Mechanics, 1 : 123-1 35.
Sekhar, A.C. and Gulati, A S. 1972. Suitability of indices of Indian timber for
industrial and engineering uses. lndian For. Rec. (n.s.). Timber
Machanics, 2 : 1-62.
Sekhar, A.C. and Rajput, S.S. 1964. A note on the physical and mechanical
properties of Grevillea robusta (Silver oak). J. Soc. Indian Foresters,
4 : 125-129.
Sekhar, A.C and Rana, R.S. 1965. A note on mechanical properties of Lannea
coromandelica from Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. Indian For., 91 : 870-871.
Sekhar, A.C ; Sen, B.R. and Bhatnagar. S S. 1957. Physical and mechanical
properties of wood tested at FRI. Report 7. Indian For. Rec. (n.s.),
Timber Mechanics, 1 : 147-154.
Somasundaram, T.R. 1963. A Handbook on the Identification and Descripton of
Trees, Shrubs and Some Important Herbs of the Forests of the Southern
States for the use of the Southern Forest Rangers College, Coimbatore.
Manager of Publications, Delhi, 563p.
Sri Lanka Forest Department. 1979.
14:70-95.
Notes on Ceylon timbers.
Sri Lanka Forester,
Trotter, H. 1958. The Common Commercial Timbers of India and Their Uses, 4th ed.
Manager of Publications, Delhi (1953 reprint), 296p.
255
INDEX OF TRADE NAMES

aglaia
aini
amla
amra
asok
axlewood
babul
I..
...
...
...
...
...
...
90
flame of the forest
...
...
flooded gum
...
89
186
gamari
97
181
garuga
...
...
19
gluta
. .
96
gurjan
...
76,78
gutel
eucalyptus hybrid
27
86
42
94
bahera
...
...
20l
haldu
104
ballagi
...
162
hoom
149
balsa
156
hopea
...112,113,115
banati
..
...
133
imli
...
198
bastard sandal
...
88
Indian beech
...
166
benteak
...
...
..,
127
Indian copal
21 5
21 0
Indian elm
...
...
167
Indian hogplum
34
irul
,.,
223
bu I letwood
...
...
152
jack
...
25
cara II ia
...
47
jaman
...
195,197
18
jarul
...
128
jhingan
...
130
kadam
...
21
58
kaim
...
153
bael
bhendi
bijasal
bishopwood
casuarina
...
...
champ
...
chickrassy
...
cashew wood
53
147
8 . .
21 4
1I 0
186
59
kala siris
...
14
coconut palm
...
...
61
kamala-dye- tree
...
136
coral tree
..
87
kambli
...
91
debdaru
...
163,165
kanchan
...
161
dhaman
...
101
kanju
...
110
kapok
...
55
karani
..
64
cinnamon
dillenia
dudhi
ebony
eucalyptus
...
...
...
...
72,74
222
75
karar
89
karingotta
...
...
189
173
256
kasi
. .
38
pinari
...
187
25
piney
122
207
pitraj
kathal
...
kindal
. .
kokko
...
12
poon
kongu
...
116
pula
...
...
...
...
kumbi
...
...
49
rajbrikh
...
50
182
redwood tree
...
121
rose-gum
...
89
lakooch
...
...
rose wood
...
67
laurel
...
205
rubber wood
...
107
machilus
...
159
rudra k
..
84
maharukh
...
10
safed siris
...
15
maina
...
209
sandalwood
...
178
malabar blackwood
. .
70
satinwood
...
56
malabar neem
...
141
semul
..
35
mango
138
shaitan wood
..
17
mesua
...
...
145
silver oak
99
milla
...
219
siris
134
soapnut tree
225
sundri
...
106
teak
...
199
myrobalan
,..
...
...
...
...
...
. .
203
toon
...
21 2
mysore gum
...
90
t r i ncomalee wood
...
32
narikel
...
172
udal
190
neem
...
30
uriam
..
...
nux-vom ica
...
194
vatica
padri
191,192
vellapine
pali
...
...
...
persian lilac
...
kusum
kuthan
mohua
mullilam
mundani
palas
24
42
white dhup
158
white cedar
140
willow
...
...
...
...
...
22
43,45
125
11
180
34
218
215,217
46
82
177
259
153
niroli
..
...
...
nir-pezhu
...
nirutty
120
puli
..
198
n ir - venthe k ku
...
...
128
pul ivaha
...
11
njara
...
195
pulla-maruthu
njaval
195
punna
ooravu
...
...
159
punnapa
pachila- rnaram
...
69
padiri
...
...
...
192
puzha-pongu
69
rose- kadarnbu
nira
nir- kadambu
painganni
pali
34
poovam
...
210
92
potta-kavalam
...
187
31
pottavaga
punnyava
rudraksham
...
170
s henkolli
55
siver oak
syalita
...
...
55
taluram
18
parangi- rnavu
pasakotta
payin
peenari
perilla-pacha
perumarem
peruntholi
pezhu
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
. .
21 4
46
parambai
...
...
...
rubber wood
...
11
207
158
panta-pay in
panya
...
...
...
panji-ilavu
pambararn
182
poovarasu
...
...
...
pambara kumbil
...
...
...
...
45
43
9
112
153
107
84
136
99
72
184
thagara
...
...
t h a mbaga m
...
113
201
52
180
thanni
21 5
thavala
...
...
188
thekku
...
199
221
t helli-payin
...
46
10
thembavu
...
...
...
...
205
121
thengu
49
thenkotta
214
61
183
pilavu
...
25
thenmavu
pinna
...
45
thrippu
34
...
...
plas
42
thitti pilavu
...
24
10
thodappei
...
...
pongiliyam
...
pongu
...
166
poola
...
35
poothankolli
...
162
thondi
unda-payin
ungu
...
...
96
96
189
103
166
260
unnam
101
ve I I a- a g il
...
82
...
78
uruangi
...
180
ve I la-ayini
uthi
. .
130
vel la-chadachi
vaga
...
vakka
I
.
V a l iyacheru
..
va I labham
...
vandakamin
vanji
varangu
vari - maram
. .
...
...
...
88
190
vella-kadambu
-..
121
109
velia-nava
...
19
47
veila-payin
...
vella-vaka
177
vel la-veeti
vayila
..
162
vazha- punna
.
.
vedipi la
...
...
veem bu
..
veeti
...
74
174
64
125
67,70
66
venga
venkotta
...
133
venthekku
._.
...
127
56
59
15
21 2
vembu
...
...
...
215,217
...
..
47
vaya na
vedingkorana
125
vel la-devadharam
12
veppu
30
150
villunni
viri
...
...
wayanavu
...
vimba
167
153
63
145

KFRI

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

KFRI

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

KFRI Research Report 9

A HANDBOOK OF KERALA TIMBERS

KERALA FOREST RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Indexes are Linked in this Report

Index of Trade Names

Index of Local Names

A. n i l o t i c a (Linn.) Willd. ex Del. ssp. indica (Benth.) Brenan

Acrocarpus f r a x i n i f o l i u s Wight & Arn.

Adenanthera pavonina Linn.

Acacia arabica see A. n i l o t i c a

Adina cordifolia see Haldina cordifolia

Aegle marmelos (Linn ) Correa

Aglaia anamallayana (Bedd.) Kosterm

A . elaeagnoidea (A. Juss.) Benth.

A. roxburghiana see A. elaeagnoidea

Ailanthus malabarica see A. triphysa

A. triphysa (Dennst ) Alston

A l b i z i a chinensis (Osb.) Merr.

A . odoratissima (Linn. f.) Benth.

Anthocephalus cadamba see A. chinensis

A. chinensis (Lamk.) Rich. ex Walp.

Aphanamixis polystachya (Wall

Anacardium occidentale Linn.

Artocarpus gomezianus Wail. ex Trecul ssp. zeylanicus Jarrett

Atalantia monophylla (Roxb.) DC.

Azadirachta indica A. JUSS.

A . lakoocha see A. gomezianus

Balanocarpus u t i l i s see Hopea u t i l i s

Bassia l o n g i f o l i a see Madhuca I o n g i f o l i a

B. malabarica see Madhuca n e r i i f o l i a

Bauhinia malabarica see P i l i o s t i g m a malabaricum

Bignonia xylocarpa see Radermachera xylocarpa

Bischof i a javanica BI.

Bombax ceiba Linn.

B r i d e l i a retusa see B. squamosa

B . latifolia see B. lanzan

Butea frondosa see B. monosperma

B. monosperma (Lamk.) Taub.

Calophyllum elatum Bedd.

B. axillaris (Desr.) Ramam.

C. t omentosum see C. elatum

Canarium strictum Roxb.

C. integerrima see C brachiata

C. lucida see C. brachiata

Careya arborea Roxb.

Cassia fistula Linn.

Cedrela toona see T o o n a ciliata

Ceiba pentandra (Linn.) Gaertn.

Chloroxylon swietenia DC.

Chukrasia tabularis A. Juss.

Cinnamomum verum J . S. Presl

C. zeylanicum see C. verum

Cordia dichotoma Forst. f,

C. myxa see C. dichotoma

Cullenia exarillata Robyns

C. excelsa see C. exarillata

D. sissoides Grah. e x Wight & Arn.

Dichopsis elliptica see Palaquium e l l i p t i c u m

D purpureum see D. ficiforme

Elaeocarpus recur vatus Coiner

E . ferrugineus see E . recurvatus

(Roxb.) Hook. f. ex Bed

grandis Hill ex Maid.