Search for  
 
 
top

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.

Blunting Effect
Boring
Comments
Common Names
Common Uses
Countries of Distribution
Cutting Resistance
Distribution Overview
Drying Defects
Ease of Drying
Environmental Profile
Family Name
Gluing
Grain
Heartwood Color
Kiln Drying Rate
Kiln Schedules
Light-Induced Color Change
Luster
Mortising
Moulding
Movement in Service
Nailing
Natural Durability
Natural Growth Defects
Numerical Data
Odor
Planing
References
Regions of Distribution
Resistance to Impregnation
Response to Hand Tools
Routing & Recessing
Sapwood Color
Scientific Name
Screwing
Strength Properties
Synonyms
Texture
Toxicity
Trade Name
Tree Identification
Tree Size
Turning
Veneering Qualities

Scientific Name
Albizia falcataria

Trade Name
Batai

Family Name
Leguminosae

Synonyms
Albizia falcata, Albizia falcataria, Albizia moluccana


Wood Image 1

Common Names
Albizzia, Bae, Batai, Celon sau, Ceylon sau, Jeungjing, Kayu machis, Molaccana-koroi, Molucca, Molucca albizzia, Moluccan sau, Moluccana koroi, Puah, Rare, Ratamara, Seka, Selawaku, Selawaku merah, Selawoku, Sengon laut, Sika, Sika bot, Sikas, Solomon Islands albizia, Tawa sela, Tawa selia, Tedehu dute, Wahogen, Wahogon, Wai, White albizia, White albizzia, Wikkie

Regions of Distribution
Oceania and S.E. Asia

Countries of Distribution  [VIEW MAP]
Bangladesh, Hawaii [US], Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands

Common Uses
Balusters, Barrels, Bedroom suites, Bent Parts, Boxes and crates, Building construction, Building materials, Cabinetmaking, Carvings, Casks, Chairs, Chests, Concealed parts (Furniture), Construction, Core Stock, Desks, Dining-room furniture, Dowell pins, Dowells, Drawer sides, Farm vehicles, Fiberboard, Fine furniture, Floor lamps, Furniture , Furniture components, Furniture squares or stock, Furniture, Hatracks, Heavy construction, Interior construction, Kitchen cabinets, Light construction, Living-room suites, Matchboxes, Matches, Moldings, Office furniture, Packing cases, Pallets, Particleboard, Plywood corestock, Plywood, Pulp/Paper products, Pulpwood, Radio - stereo - TV cabinets, Shingles, Tables, Veneer, Wheels

Environmental Profile
Abundant/Secure
Status has not been officially assessed


Distribution Overview
Native to the eastern islands of the Indonesian archipelago (Moluccas) and New Guinea, this species has been spread to Southeast Asia from Burma to the Philippines, and introduced locally in tropical Africa and America. It seems to thrive on many soils, alluvial soils, laterites, sandy mining soil, and white sands. Ranging from Subtropical Moist to Wet through Tropical Moist to Wet Forest Life Zones, probably tolerates annual precipitation of 20 to 45 dm and annual temperature of 20 to 28°C. In Hawaii the tree is planted as both an ornamental and a forest tree.

Heartwood Color
Red
Yellow
Brown
Pink
White
Orange
Purple
Tan
Yellow to golden-yellow to orange
Pale red to pink
White to cream
Pale brown
Red
Yellowish tan
Pinkish white
Light brown


Sapwood Color
White
Yellow
Brown
Red
Pink
White to yellow
Pinkish
Color not distinct from heartwood


Grain
Interlocked
Straight
Figure
Crossed
Even
Growth rings (figure)
Spiral
Distinct (figure)
Weak (figure)

Interlocked
Generally straight, but not always
Clear growth rings (figure)
Weak figure
Spiral
Moderately to severely interlocked
Distinct figure


Texture
Coarse
Medium
Fine
Even or uniform
Uniform
Coarse
Medium to coarse
Fine to medium
Even textured


Luster
Medium
Low
Sometimes lustrous but not always
Slightly lustrous


Natural Growth Defects
Brittleheart is often present
Gum and mineral deposits


Natural Durability
Non-durable
Non-resistant to powder post beetles
Susceptible to insect attack
Perishable
Resistant to termites
Moderately durable
Non-resistant to termites
Resistant to powder post beetles
Non durable
Susceptible to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles
Susceptible to wood staining fungal attack
Very little natural resistance
Susceptible to termite attack
Sapwood susceptible to attack by powder post beetles
Resistant to attack from termites (Isoptera)
Resistant to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles
Moderately resistant to termite (Isoptera) attack
Moderately durable


Odor
No taste

Strong odor when green which disappears after it is dried

Light-Induced Color Change
Darker


Toxicity
Some toxic effects
Respiratory effects
Unspecified toxicity
Dermatitic effects


Kiln Schedules
Drying (speed) is fast


Drying Defects
Splitting
Checking
Slight surface checking
Slight end splitting


Ease of Drying
Fairly Easy
Rapidly
Reconditioning Treatement
Easy
Dries at a fairly rapid rate


Kiln Drying Rate
Naturally dries quickly


Tree Identification
Bole/stem form is straight
Bole/stem form is not buttressed
Bole/stem form is cylindrical


Tree Size
Tree height is 30-40 m
Bole length is 10-20 m
Tree height is 20-30 m
Bole length is 20-30 m
Tree height is 40-50 m


Comments
Abnormal Wood Tissue

General finishing qualities are rated as good

Blunting Effect
Moderate
Little
High to severe
Blunting effect on sawing green wood is severe
Blunting effect on sawing green wood is moderate
Blunting effect on sawing green wood is mild
Blunting effect on sawing dry wood is severe
Blunting effect on sawing dry wood is moderate
Blunting effect on sawing dry wood is mild

Blunting effect is slight when tension wood is absent

Boring
Fairly easy to very easy
Fair to good results
Easy
Use very sharp cutting edges to prevent grain from tearing


Cutting Resistance
Easy to saw
Moderate to saw
Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult to saw
Cutting Resistance with green wood is easy
Cutting Resistance with dry wood is easy
Cutting Resistance with green wood is moderate
Cutting Resistance with dry wood is moderate

Growth stresses may cause pinching of saw blades,

Gluing
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Glues well
Easy to glue


Mortising
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Very sharp edges are required
Finishes satisfactorily


Moulding
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Requires very sharp cutting edges
Good moulding properties


Movement in Service
Excellent Stability - Small Movement
Fair to Good Stability - Medium Movement
Stable
Small
Holds shape well


Nailing
Poor to Very Poor Results
Nails hold poorly


Planing
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Fair to Good Results
Very Good to Excellent Results
Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult
Planes well, to a good finish
Easy to plane
Moderately easy to plane


Resistance to Impregnation
Permeable sapwood
Resistant heartwood
Permeable heartwood
Resistant sapwood
Sapwood is permeable
Heartwood is moderately resistant
Heartwood is permeable
Sapwood is treatable


Response to Hand Tools
Easy to Work
Responds Readily
Fairly Difficult to Difficult to Work
Very sharp cutting edges are required to produce a smooth surface
Moderate working qualities
Easy to machine


Routing & Recessing
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Requires very sharp cutters
Good in both routing and recessing.


Screwing
Poor to Very Poor Results


Turning
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Sharp cutting edges required
Satisfactory


Veneering Qualities
Suitable for peeling
Veneers easily
Veneers moderately easy
No drying degrade
Suitable for slicing
Easy to cut
No steaming needed during bolt preparation.
No drying degrade. Dries flat without splitting
Suitable for peeling
Difficult to glue


Strength Properties
Shrinkage, Tangential = very small
Shrinkage, Radial = very small
Density (dry weight) = 15-22 lbs/cu. ft.
Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = very low
Max. crushing strength = low
Bending strength (MOR) = low


Numerical Data
ItemGreenDryEnglish
Bending Strength53438345psi
Density21lbs/ft3
Hardness406lbs
Maximum Crushing Strength23484052psi
Shearing Strength912psi
Static Bending28224802psi
Stiffness102111951000 psi
Toughness61inch-lbs
Work to Maximum Load57inch-lbs/in3
Specific Gravity0.25
Weight2116lbs/ft3
Radial Shrinkage2%
Tangential Shrinkage5%
Volumetric Shrinkage9%
ItemGreenDryMetric
Bending Strength375586kg/cm2
Density336kg/m3
Hardness184kg
Maximum Crushing Strength165284kg/cm2
Shearing Strength64kg/cm2
Static Bending198337kg/cm2
Stiffness71841000 kg/cm2
Toughness70cm-kg
Work to Maximum Load0.350.49cm-kg/cm3
Specific Gravity0.25
Weight336256kg/m3
Radial Shrinkage2%
Tangential Shrinkage5%

References
Bolza, E. and N. H. Kloot. 1966. The Mechanical Properties of 81 New Guinea Timbers. Technological Paper No. 41. Division of Forest Products. Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Melbourne, Australia.

Bolza, E., Kloot, N.H.,1976,The Mechanical Properties of 81 New Guinea Timbers,C.S.I.R.O. Div. Building Res. Tec.Paper (2nd series) 11

Bolza, E.,1975,Properties and Uses of 175 Timber Species from Papua New Guinea and West,Irian,C.S.I.R.O. Div. Building Research Report,no.34

Bolza, E.,1981,The Mechanical properties of 33 Solomon Islands timbers,C.S.I.R.O. Div. Building Research. Technical Paper (2nd series) No.37

Boone, R.S., C.J. Kozlik, P.J. Bois, and E.M. Wengert. 1988. Dry Kiln Schedules for Commercial Woods - Temperate and Tropical. United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, General Technical Report FPL-GTR-57, Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, Wisconsin.

Chudnoff, M.,1984,Tropical Timbers of the World,U.S.A. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products,Laboratory, Madison.

Dilip Kumar Das,1990,Wood Anatomy of Koroi (Albizia Spp.) of Bangladesh,Bangladesh Forest Research Institute, Chittagong, Bulletin 10 Wood Anatomy,Series

Eddowes, P.J. 1977. Commercial Timbers of Papua New Guinea - Their Properties and Uses. Forest Products Research Center, Office of Forests, Department of Primary Industry, Papua New Guinea.

Eddowes, P.J.,1977,Commercial Timbers of Papua New Guinea: Their Properties and Uses,Hebano Press, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Gerhards, C.C.,1966,Physical and Mechanical Properties of Molucca Albizzia grown in Hawaii,US Dept. of Agriculture Forest Service Forest Products Lab. Madison Wis.,Research Paper FPL_55

I.U.F.R.O.,1973,Veneer Species of the World,Assembled at F.P.L. Madison on behalf of I.U.F.R.O. Working Party on,Slicing and Veneer Cutting

Kartasujana, I., Martawijaya, A.,1973,Commercial Woods of Indonesia,Forest Products Research Institute, Department Pertanian, Bogor Indonesia,Report No.3

Keating, W.G., Bolza, E.,1982,Characteristics properties and uses of timbers. South East Asia, Northern,Australia and the Pacific,C.S.I.R.O. Div. Chemical Technology,Inkata Press,1

Kloot, N. H. and E. Bolza. 1961. Properties of Timbers Imported into Australia. Technological Paper No. 12. Division of Forest Products, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Melbourne, Australia.

Lee, Y.H., Lopez, D.T.,1968,The Machining Properties of some Malayan Timbers,Malayan Forester,3,pp194-210

Limaye, V.D. 1954. Grouping of Indian Timbers and their Properties, Uses and Suitability. Indian Forest Records, New Series. Timber Mechanics, Vol. 1, No. 2, Forest Research Institute, Dehra Dun, India.

Limaye, V.D. and B.R. Sen. 1953. Weights and Specific Gravities of Indian Woods. Indian Forest Records, New Series. Timber Mechanics, Vol. 1, No. 4, Forest Research Institute, Dehra Dun, India.

Peh, T.B. and Khoo, K.C.,1984,Timber Properties of Acacia mangium, Gmelina arborea, Paraserianthes,falcataria and their utilization aspects.,The Malaysian Forester, Vol.47, No.4, pp.285-303.

Salleh, M.N. and W.C. Wong,1989,Utilization of Forest Plantation Trees.,Recent Developments in Tree,Plantations of Humid/Subhumid Tropics of Asia, 5-9 June 1989 Universiti,Pertanian Malaysia Proceedings of a Regional Symposium,Faculty of Forestry Universiti Pertanian Malaysia

Skolmen, R.G.,1974,Some woods of Hawaii, properties and uses of 16 commercial species,U.S.A. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Forest,and Range Experiment Station, General Technical Report PSW_8

Solomon Islands, Ministry of Natural Resources, Forestry Division,1979,Solomon Islands Timbers - Minor Species,Solomon Islands, Ministry of Natural Resources, Forestry Division, Honiara,Timber Booklet 2

Tamolang, F.R. and Rocafort, J.E.,1987,Physico-Mechanical Properties and Possible Uses of Eleven Plantation-Grown,Timber Species in the Philippines,FPRDI-Journal 16:1-2,75-85

WCMC. 1992. Conservation Status Listing - Trees and Timbers of the World. World Conservation Monitoring Center-Plants Programme, Cambridge, CB3 ODL, United Kingdom.

Yoji Kikata (ed.,1991,The promotion of Lesser-known Species and Plantation-grown species,Proceedings of the International Forest Products Workshop, 14 to 15,October, 1991, Nagoya University, Japan









Search the web for anything relating to wood and forest products.

























Search the web for anything relating to wood and forest products.