Identification and utilization of lesser-known commercial timbers in Peninsular Malaysia 7: Hantu Duri, Jarum-Jarum, Jelutong Pipit and Kasah

This article is a continuation of the series on lesser-known commercial timbers (LKCT) where four more LKCT are introduced i.e. hantu duri (Zanthoxylum spp.), jarum-jarum (Dysoxylum spp.), jelutong pipit (Kibatalia spp.) and kasah (Pterygota spp.). Jelutong pipit and kasah are white coloured timbers and they may be a good source of timber for face veneer production. Jelutong pipit is rather featureless and very much like jelutong timber. Kasah, on the other hand, contain growth rings figure on the flat-sawn surface due to the presence of parenchyma bands. Harvesting of hantu duri may be a problem due to the presence of fairly long torn on the bark. The timber is light and can possibly be used for items like picture frames, moulding for skirting etc.  Jarum-jarum which comes from the same family as mahogany, i.e. Meliaceae, is quite an attractive timber if it is sawn tangentially as the presence of terminal parenchyma bands may simulate growth ring features. Preferred usages of the timber include furniture, flooring and wall panelling.

Of the four timbers selected, kasah is perhaps the most well known as the timber has been reported to be used locally for wall paneling for offices. It has also been exported to country like Japan as a substitute for other white-coloured timbers.