BALAU / BANGKIRAI / SELANGAN BATU ( Shorea Spp )
Shorea spp. and Hopea spp., Dipterocarpaceae family (especially S. atrinervosa Sym., S. elliptica Burck, S. falcifera Dyer ex Brandis, S. glauca King, S. laevis Ridl., S. maxwelliana King,. S. seminis V.SI., H. gregaria V.SI.).
Color :
The heartwood is light brown or yellowish light brown gradually turning dark brown. The sapwood is lighter in color than the heartwood; it is 2 to 2 cm, usually 4 cm, thick.
Texture :
The wood texture varies from fine to coarse; in general it is slightly coarse, or coarse.
Grain :
The grain is straight or spiraled and interlocked.
Touch :
The wood surface has generally a smooth touch. The radial section with interlocked grain is partly smooth and partly rough.
Gloss : The wood surface varies from slightly glossy to glossy.
Figures : The radial section with interlocked grain shows a striped figure.
USES :
In view of its high strength and durability, balau wood is used for heavy construction especially in humid condition and in contact with the ground. The species is used among other things for bridges, railroad sleepers, electric poles, flooring, marine constructions, boat buildings (rudders, oars, masts, keels, and ribs), building construction, vehicular body work, cart poles, roller axles, barrels and other containers.
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