Botanical name: Dracontomelum mangiferum.

Distribution: Very limited quantities in Northern Queensland but spread throughout Papua New Guinea and other parts of South East Asia. A large tree that can attain 50m (170ft).

Colour: Strikingly similar to Zebrawood (Zebrano). The heartwood is straw to brown coloured with dark chocolate brown streaks with fine cross hatched rays.

The timber: The grain is generally straight but some interlocking can be found. Texture is medium and even.

Mechanical properties: Attunga is not suitable for steam bending and is not durable in exterior applications. Kiln dry density of approx. 450kgs/m³ (28lb/ft³).

Working properties: Cutters need to be kept sharp but the timber works well with hand and machine tools. Little resistance to work and limited blunting of cutters. It glues well. Attunga finishes to an almost silky finish and it takes a high polish and unlike Zebrawood the grain does not need filling.

Uses: Principally a fine furniture timber. It can be used for cabinet work, panelling, turnery, carving and is available in limited quantities as a veneer.

Availability: Moderate.