None Known

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None Known

Agroforestry Uses: It is cultivated as a plantation tree and used in enrichment planting and reforestation schemes in various areas within the natural range[ 325 ]. Other Uses The trunk richly contains the famous dammar resin, which is widely used in industry and medicine[ 266 ]. The resin is graded into hard, semi-hard and soft[ 46 ]. It is used for varnishing enamels and interior work[ 46 ]. The resin used to be an important component of varnish and was used in the production of linoleum[ 325 ]. Much of the quality of the resin depends upon the age of the product since it can be obtained both from living trees or from the soil in semi-fossil condition[ 46 ]. Harvesting of the resin commences when the bole is around 25cm in diameter (approx 20 years old). Triangular cuts (becoming circular with age) are arranged in vertical rows around the trunk. The cuts are several centimetres wide at first, but become enlarged at every tapping and eventually become holes of 15 - 20cm in depth and width. The average number of holes for a tree about 30 metres tall and 60 - 80cm in diameter is 9 - 11 in each of 4 - 5 vertical rows. For the higher holes, the tapper climbs the tree supported by a rattan belt and using the lower holes as footholds. The exuded resin is allowed to dry on the tree before it is collected. The frequency with which the tree is visited to refreshen the cut varies from once a week to once a month, depending on how far the tree is from the village. Tapping can continue for 30 years[ 891 ]. The scaly, fibrous bark is burnt to deter mosquitoes[ 307 ]. The heartwood is a pale cream, golden brown, to dark reddish or yellowish brown if resinous; it is usually not distinct from the sapwood[ 316 ]. The wood is lustrous; the grain mainly straight; texture fine and uniform; generally without distinctive odour or taste[ 316 ]. It is generally not durable, vulnerable to termite attack and prone to blue stain[ 316 ]. It works easily with hand and machine tools, finishes with a clean smooth surface; has good nailing and screwing properties; good veneer peeling characteristics; paints and polishes well; easy to glue[ 316 ]. It is used for a range of purposes, including vats and tanks, patternmaking, millwork, boatbuilding, furniture components, face veneers, shingles and pencil slats[ 316 ]. It is used as a general purpose softwood for construction, boat masts, joinery, household utensils, matches, veneer, packaging, moulding, plywood and pulpwood[ 266 , 325 ].

Special Uses