Botanical name: Casuarina torulosa

Distribution: Wondoan grows as an understorey tree throughout the Eucalypt forests of New South Wales and Queensland. This hardwood can attain a height of up to 30m (100ft). The tree is normally quite twisted making good yields of boards very difficult.

Colour: The heartwood is a red-brown colour with very pronounced rays that are dark chocolate in colour.

The timber: The texture is fine and even and the grain straight. It is fairly normal in long and wide boards to encounter encased knots and fine cracking around a few of the rays. Shown are quarter and back cut boards.

Mechanical properties: The timber is durable. Selected boards that are free of natural defects can be steam bent but care has to be taken. Kiln dry density of approx. 900kgs/m³ (56lb/ft³).

Working properties: Despite its high density Wondoan works well with hand or machine tools. It has a moderate cutting resistance and blunting effect. Cutters need to be kept sharp to avoid tearing out any natural features. It can be glued with ease and it works to a very high polish and takes most finishes well.

Uses: Furniture, small turnery, cabinet making, roofing shingles and shakes, flooring and it is available in a very decorative veneer.

Availability: Limited.