Botanical name: Dysoxylum fraserianum

Distribution: Werribi is a large hardwood that grows from the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales to North Queensland. It can attain 40m (130ft) at maturity.

Colour: The heartwood is a light reddish brown which darkens on exposure to a warm and deep red.

The timber: The grain is often interlocked which presents a figured pattern. The texture is very fine and even.

Mechanical properties: The timber is principally an interior grade material and it is not suitable for steam bending as it is slightly brittle Kiln dry density of approx. 700kgs/m³ (42lbs/ft³).

Working properties: Werribi works well with hand and machine tools despite the interlocked grain and its density. It glues and nails well. Finishing can be a problem due to a sticky aromatic gum that can bleed through the surface. Suitable surface cleaning of the timber prior to the application of finishes overcomes this problem. Werribi then finishes to a high polish.

Uses: Beautiful furniture, cabinet work, panelling, turnery and flooring. It is not available as a veneer.

Availability: Limited.