Identification and utilization of lesser-known commercial timbers in Peninsular Malaysia. 3. Gaham Badak, Gapis, Gerok and Kayu Masam

This is the continuation of the earlier articles of the same title. As explained earlier, the purpose of the article is to provide a technical guide to the timber users in general and to those who are involved in the quality control, timber grading, and technical personnel in the wood processing industry in particular.

This article looks at four more lesser-known commercial timbers (LKCT) i.e. Gaham Badak (Blumeodendron spp.), Gapis (Saraca spp.), Gerok (Exbucklandia populned) and Kayu Masam (Aporosa spp.). Some of the LKCT may not be in abundance in the forest and the bole may not be in good form e.g. Gapis, but once they are harvested from the forest, the best possible uses of the timber will have to be found so that forest resources can be utilized in the most efficient manner. Gaham Badak can grow to a fairly large tree and the timber is useful for use undercover; corewood of the timber may be decorative. The stem of Gapis is usually poor in form and the decovery may be low. The timber is low in strength and as such, its uses may be limited to temporary light construction works, boxes and crates. Gerok is a medium density timber and it is useful for light to medium construction under cover. Kayu Masam is a medium density timber and it can be used for decorative purpose, particularly on quarter-sawn material due to the presence of broad rays.