Botanical name: Toona australis or cedrela toona

Distribution: Dorrigi can grow to 40m (132ft) with a diameter of 3m (10ft). Occurs along the East coast of Australia. It also grows through Papua New Guinea spreading through to India.

Colour: Heartwood is pale to dark red or red-brown with darker brown streaks in mature trees.

The timber: The grain is generally straight although some interlocking of grain can be present. It has a moderately close but uneven texture. It has a spicy odour and is rather lustrous. It can be used in exterior applications but is too valuable to be used outdoors.

Mechanical properties: It is a relatively weak timber with a very poor steam bending classification. Kiln dry density from 400kgs/m³ (25lb/ft³) to 500kgs/m³ (31lb/ft³).

Working properties: It can give a ‘woolly’ cut so cutters need to be kept very sharp. It saws and works well with hand and machine tools. Blunting is slight. Nails and screws without the need to pre drill. Dorrigi glues well and works to a high polish and takes most finishes without any problems.

Uses: High class furniture, superior joinery, panelling, cabinetry, boat building and carving. It is available as a veneer.

Availability: Scarce.