Botanical name: Melaleuca leucadendron

Distribution: Medium sized hardwood common on low-lying coastal areas subject to occasional flooding in New South Wales, Queensland, and the Northern Territory. Trees range in height from 10m (35ft) to 30m (100ft) with a paper like bark.

Colour: Orindi is pinkish brown to cinnamon brown.

The timber: The texture is fine and even with generally straight grain although some boards may have interlocked grain.

Mechanical properties: The timber is durable and frequently used in outdoor applications as diverse as oyster racks and boat knee construction. Not suitable for steam bending. High crush strength. Kiln dry density of 700kgs/m³ (43lb/ft³).

Working properties: Works well with hand or machine tools as long as cutters are kept sharp and cutter angle reduced to 15 degrees. Glues satisfactorily and finishes to a high polish.

Uses: Flooring, furniture, decking, marine applications and decking. It is not available as a veneer.

Availability: Plentiful.