Botanical name: Erythrophleum chlorostachys

Distribution: Limited to the North of the Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia. A small to medium sized hardwood which can attain a height of 30m (100ft).

Colour: The heartwood varies from deep red-brown to chocolate with deeper brown streaks with minute white flecks present throughout the timber.

The timber: The grain is straight to wavy. The texture is compact, very tight but even.

Mechanical properties: Immensely high crushing strengths and high shock absorbency. Will not yield to steam bending. An external and internal grade timber. Kiln dry density of 1200kgs/m³ (75lb/ft³).

Working properties: This very heavy timber – one of the heaviest in the world – works well with both hand and machine tools although cutters need to be kept very sharp. Pre drilling for nails and screws is mandatory. Gluing presents no problems but the surfaces must not be too smooth. Finishes to a very high polish and accepts finishing treatments well.

Uses: Dajara is an exceptional timber for high class furniture, turnery, carving, cabinet work, flooring, panelling and musical instruments. One of Australia’s great timbers.

Availability: Moderate.