GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The heartwood is orange to reddish brown with darker streaks, featuring attractive grains which are usually interlocked or wavy. The wood is described as very hard, heavy to very heavy, with a texture that is moderately fine or medium and even.

DISTRIBUTION
The species is widely distributed in Burma, as a large tree with a straight cylindrical bole up to 9m (30ft.). It is also common in parts of India, especially the forest of the west coast where it is known as Irul or Jamba.

COMMON USES
The species is pre-eminently a timber for heavy construction such as bridge building, marine pilling and harbour work. After Teak, is the most important timber in Burma for this class of work and for railway sleepers, for which it is claimed to be one of the best timber in the world. It is suitable as flooring where a good appearance is required and for heavy pedestrian and industrial traffic.

DURABILITY
The heartwood is resistant to the attack of fungi and insects, including soil-burrowing termites and marine borers because of the resinous substance in the wood.