Basic Properties and Utilization of Three Lesser-known Wood Species fromNatural Forest in Sulawesi

This research was carried out to examine basic wood properties (anatomical structure, pbysica! and mechanical properties and machining aspect of three lesser-known species .from natural'forest in Sulawesi i.e. sama-sama (Pouteriafirma Baehni), palado (Aglaia sp.)and kumea batu (Manilkara merrilliana HJ.L ). Appropirate wood utulization was determined by considering their basicproperties and uses 1vhich the local!J community have current!J emplqyed.Results revealed thatsama-sama heartwood is dark brown to black with irregular black lines bands; ratherfine texture and glossysurface;rather hea1!J; moderate in dimensional shrinkage; strenghtclass IV IIL•goodgradefarmachinery;fiber grade is good far pulp/ paper manufacture;probable utilization arefar light construction material in house building and certain ship components, peeling veneer, glulam,pallet, pulp and paper.Pa/ado heartwood is light brown to grayish brown colour; straight grain; ratherfine texture;rather hea'!Y; moderate in dimensional shrinkage; strenght class IIL•good grade in machinery;fibergradeisgoodfar pulp/ paper manufacture;probableutilization arefar light construction material in house building and certain ship components, cheap furniture, moulding, glulam, peeling veneer, handicraft, pulp and paper.Kumea bat« heartwood is reddish brown colour; growth rings diffuse and sometimes appeared clear withfigures of decorativesurfaceasparallellines on radial section; grain straight,• texturefine and glossy surface; remarkab!J hea'!Y; high in dimensional shrinkage;strenght class II;very good grade in machinery; fiber gradeis poor for pulp/paper manufacture,probable utilization are for hea1!J construction material in house and ship building, vehicular(truck), boc/ypower linepoles,furniture,moulding, slicing veneer, tool handles, handicraft and charcoal