Identification And Utilization Of Lesser-Known Commercial Timbers In Peninsular Malaysia 10: Meraga, Merbau Kera, Merbau Lalat And Minyak Berok

This article provides further information and structures of four more lesser-known timbers of Peninsular Malaysia. Among the four, minyak berok is better known and more widely used probably due to its large bole, large number of species and distributed widely in the country. The timber is suitable for medium construction under cover. It is also suitable for flooring, planking, veneer and plywood, furniture, sport goods and tool handles. Meraga, which grows to medium-sized tree with poor-formed bole, occurs in lowland to hill forest. The poor form of the trees sometimes prevents extensive use of the timber. The timber can be used as tool handles, laminated boards for various applications such as table tops, flooring and staircase components. Merbau kera is a small to big tree which can be found near river banks and swampy places, in primary or secondary forest. The timber is hard and heavy and suitable for the manufacture of striking tool handles, flooring boards, heavy construction under cover, door and window frames. Merbau lalat is a small to medium tree with thick buttresses and found scattered but may be locally common in primary forest. The timber is medium in density with attractive growth rings figure on flat-sawn surface. It is suitable for light to medium construction under cover, rotary peeled veneers and plywood, furniture and cabinet works, flooring, panelling and other decorative works. Though both Merbau kera and Merbau lalat come from the same family as merbau i.e. Leguminosae, they should not be treated as similar to merbau in the trade and usage.