INTRODUCTION

The Standard Malaysian Name for the timber of Gluta spp. and Melanochyla spp. (Anacardiaceae). Vernacular names applied are usually rengas (Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak) with various epithets. The major species contributing to the timber include Gluta aptera, G. elegans, G. malayana, G. renghas, G. torquata, G. wallichii, G. wrayi; Melanochyla auriculata, M. bracteata, M. caesia and M. fulvinervis. The sapwood is light pink-brown or light brown and is sharply differentiated from the heartwood, which is dark red-brown or deep blood-red, with bands of darker, almost black streaks.

Also known as Rengas (Brunei); Kroeul (Cambodia); Gluta (India); Anga, Poei and Rengas (Indonesia); Mai nam kiang (Laos); Burma Gluta, Chay, Thayet-thitsi and Thitsi (Myanmar); Hekakoro (Papua New Guinea); Lingas (Philippines); and Rak and Rak-ban (Thailand).

DENSITY

The timber is a Medium Hardwood with a density of 640-960 kg/m3 air dry.

TEXTURE

Texture is moderately coarse to fairly fine and even, with interlocked or occasionally straight grain.

USES

Due to the poisonous nature of the sap, the timber is not very often exploited. The seasoned timber, however, is quite safe to handle and is highly prized as a cabinet wood due to its streaky figure and blood-red colour. The timber is also suitable for decorative works, panelling, mouldings, superior joinery, picture frames, flooring, plywood, furniture, railway sleepers, posts, beams, joists, rafters, pallets (permanent light duty), door and window frames and sills (internal use), tool handles (impact), ornamental items and walking sticks. The timber is strong enough for medium construction provided it is protected from termites.