INTRODUCTION

The Standard Malaysian Name for certain lightweight reddish and yellowish timber of Shorea spp. (Dipterocarpaceae). Vernacular names applied include belantai (Kedah), kawang with various epithets in Sabah, engkabang for S. macrophylla in Sarawak and melantai (Peninsular Malaysia). The species as a group are more developed in Sabah and Sarawak than in Peninsular Malaysia. Only one species occurs in Peninsular Malaysia and that is S. macroptera. The other species belonging to this group include S. macrophylla, S. parvistipulata ssp. parvistipulata, S. pilosa, S. pinanga and S. scaberrima. The timber is separated from the red merantis on the grounds in that melantai is usually lighter in density and tends to have a bright yellow tinge. The sapwood is lighter in colour and is not sharply defined but moderately distinct from the heartwood, which is yellow-pink when freshly cut, weathering to a light pink colour with a yellow tinge.

Also known as Meranti Merah (Indonesia).

DENSITY

The timber is a Light Hardwood with a density of 415-625 kg/m3 air dry.

TEXTURE

Texture is moderately coarse but even, with interlocked grain.

USES

The timber is suitable for interior finishing, mouldings, panelling, pallet (expendable type), furniture, staircase (handrail, sprandrel framing, angle blocks and rough brackets), plywood, joinery, cabinet making, tool handles (non-impact), planking, shelving and the manufacture of doors.