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PENCIL CEDAR

Common Name(s): Red silkwood; bauvudi (Fiji); pencil cedar (Papua New Guinea); faibaru; maliolo (Solomon Islands); nato; red nato (Philippines); pali; njatuh; balam; punti; nantu; siki; soko (Indonesia); kha-nunnok (Thailand)

Scientific Name: PALAGULUM SPP.

Distribution: Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Fiji.

Janka Hardness: 720

Color/Appearance: Heartwood is generally pink to red-brown, but varies between species

Grain/Texture: Grain is straight to interlocked with a moderately fine texture. Sapwood is pink-brown and not always distinct.

Workability: Seasoned material saws and machines easily but slight to moderate chipping is not unusual. With sufficient care, good machined surfaces can be produced. Smooth turned surfaces are easily obtained and drilled holes are of average quality.

Sustainability: This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Common Uses: Construction: light construction, protected framing and boards, internal covered flooring, interior joinery, mouldings, lining, panelling, veneer, cabinet work, carving, and furniture boat building.