MTIB Malaysian Timber Industry Board : PETAI

STANDARD NAME

PETAI

(Light Hardwood)

Family

Leguminosae

BOTANICAL NAME

Parkia spp.

DISTRIBUTION

Occurs mainly throughout the lowlands and hills.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The sapwood is white to yellow-brown and is extremely wide. The heartwood is seldom developed but if found, is dark brown in colour

Grain is straight or shallowly interlocked.

Texture is coarse and uneven.

Growth rings are present, demarcated by layers of darker coloured fibres, which are visible to the naked eye.

Vessels are medium-sized to moderately large, few, mostly solitary but with a few radial groups of two to three, with a strong tendency for tangential arrangement, mostly open with occasional gum-like deposits.

Wood parenchyma is abundant and visible to the naked eye, aliform and confluent, and in irregularly spaced, narrow terminal bands.

Rays are fine.

Odour of very strong bean smell is present when fresh.

USES

Suitable for plywood, interior finishing, picture frames, packing cases, pallets and disposable chopsticks.