Kwila 

Botanical names: Intsia bijuga (formerly Afzelia bijuga syn. Afzelia australis), I. palembanica

Family name: Leguminosae

The heartwood is resistant to lyctus and ambrosia beetle attack, and is highly resistant to termites.

The wood is sometimes lustrous. It has a characteristics smell and an astringent taste. Kwila planes well. The timber stains, polishes and takes

paint satisfactorily.

Local names                                                    Country

Ipil or Bayong                                                 Philippines

Melila, Bendora                                             Papua New Guinea

Scrub mahogany                                           North Queensland

Merbau                                                           Malaysia

Vesi                                                                Fiji

Moluccan ironwood                                       United Kingdom

Go-nux                                                            Vietnam

Hintzy                                                              Madagascar

Lumpho, lum-paw, makamong                     Thailand

Kivoli, vuvula                                                   Solomon Islands

Alternative Names:

U’ula, Choyo, Dort , Kebuk, Lumpho, Merbau, Thort, Tuamis, Wantal, Zolt

USES

HEAVY CONSTRUCTION, FLOORING, SILL, BOAT BUILDING, BRIDGE & WHARF – SUPERSTRUCTURE, DECKING, STEPS, TRUCK BODIES, CROSS ARMS CARVING, TURNERY, POSTS, POLES, FURNITURE, JOINERY, BENCH & COUNTER TOPS, SWITCHBOARDS,

CABINET WORK, INTERIOR FITTINGS, DECORATIVE VENEER, PANELING, ARTIFACTS, SLEEPERS.

Physical Properties

   Mechanical Properties

   Working Properties

      Saws well though saw blade gums up while sawing

      Additional power required

      Turns well

      Glues reasonably well, except with casein

      Screws well

      Must be pre-bored first

      Moulds well