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Clicking any heading in the main data area (at right) will scroll the page back to this top position. Use the following links to jump to the associated section in the main data. Common Names Common Uses Countries of Distribution Family Name Grain Heartwood Color Natural Durability Numerical Data References Regions of Distribution Scientific Name Strength Properties Synonyms Texture Trade Name Tree Size Scientific Name Virgilia divaricata Trade Name Keur Family Name Leguminosae Synonyms Sophora oroboides, Virgilia capensis, Virgilia oroboides Common Names Keur Regions of Distribution Africa, Oceania and S.E. Asia Countries of Distribution  [VIEW MAP] Australia, India, New Zealand, South Africa Common Uses Agricultural implements, Flooring, Pulp/Paper products, Railroad ties, Vehicle parts Heartwood Color Yellow Green/grey Orange Grain Figure Even Straight Other (figure) Texture Coarse Natural Durability Perishable Figure Even Distinct (figure) Growth rings (figure) Straight Checking Tree Size Bark width is 10-15 mm Tree height is 0-10 m Strength Properties Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = low Hardness (side grain) = soft Shrinkage, Tangential = small Shrinkage, Radial = small Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = low Max. crushing strength = medium Density (dry weight) = 38-45 lbs/cu. ft. Density (dry weight) = 31-37 lbs/cu. ft. Bending strength (MOR) = medium Numerical Data Item Green Dry English Bending Strength 9310 14566 psi Density 36 lbs/ft3 Hardness 995 lbs Maximum Crushing Strength 3916 6397 psi Shearing Strength 1560 psi Stiffness 1358 1568 1000 psi Weight 35 28 lbs/ft3 Radial Shrinkage 3 % Tangential Shrinkage 6 % Item Green Dry Metric Bending Strength 654 1024 kg/cm2 Density 576 kg/m3 Hardness 451 kg Maximum Crushing Strength 275 449 kg/cm2 Shearing Strength 109 kg/cm2 Stiffness 95 110 1000 kg/cm2 Weight 560 448 kg/m3 Radial Shrinkage 3 % References Banks, C.H., Schoeman, J.P., Otto, K.P.,1977,The Mechanical Properties of Timbers with particular reference to South,Africa,South African Forestry Research Institute Bulletin,(Ed.,Schoeman, J.P. 1973 & Otto K.P. 1976,No.48 Banks, C.H.,1970,The Durability of South African Wood and Wood Base Building Materials,South African Forestry Journal,No.75 Scott, M.H.,1935,Weights of South African Growth Timbers,South African Department of Agriculture and Forestry Bulletin,No.145,Forest Products Institute, Forestry Series No.1 Wyk Van, B.E.,1982,Keur (Virgilia orobordes): A feasible indigenous hardwood for the South,African Forestry Industry,South African Forestry Journal 122 pp49-5