Identification And Utilization Of Lesser-Known Commercial Timbers In Peninsular Malaysia 8: Keruntum, Kundang, Leban And Malabera

This article further introduces four more lesser-known timbers with the hope that the timbers can be recognized and utilized more efficiently. Keruntum, which is found in the swam]), is a medium weight timber with coarse texture due to the presence of broad rays and fairly large vessels. Quartersawn material of the timber gives 'silver grain' figure due to the broad rays. The timber may have some problems in drying; particularly on the flat-sawn materials as the presence of broad rays give rise to a zone of weakness resulting in surface checks and splits. Kundang is generally light and is suitable for general light utility purposes. The presence of parenchyma bands only gives rise to vague growth rings figure due to poor contrast between parenchyma and fibre background of the wood. Leban is a small to medium but mostly small tree, common as a pioneer species in secondary forest. The timber is medium to hard and suitable for purposes such as tool handles, turneries and small articles. Malabera can grow to a fairly tall tree with cylindrical bole but not very large in diameter. The timber is light and only suitable for light applications under cover. It is also suitable as a peeler log since the logs are always cylindrical.