Identification of Selected Lesser Known Timber 13: Angsana/Sena (Pterocarpus sp.), Bayur (Pterospermum spp.), Bebuta (Excoecaria spp.) And Kekabu (Bombax spp.)

Lesser known timbers (LKT) have been used in Malaysia in the form of mixed species or `chap-char’ for a long time. LKT generally refers to logs or timber in which their identities are unknown to the timber traders and in most cases, the supply of  LKT logs or timber is always in small volume or inconsistent. With the declining supply of logs from the forest, there is a need to fully utilise all the logs available including LKT. The used of LKT depends on their properties such as density, strength, wood working properties, seasoning, durability and the colour of wood. This paper describes the macroscopic features, physical properties, wood working, seasoning properties, durability and uses of the four selected lesser known timbers, they are: Angsana/Sena (Pterocarpus indicus), Bayur (Pterospermum spp.), Bebuta (Excoecaria spp.) and Kekabu (Bombax spp.).