Merbau

Merbau Timber is a species of flowering tree in the pea family, Fabaceae, that is native to the Indo-Pacific. It ranges from Tanzania and Madagascar east through India and Queensland, Australia to the Pacific island of Samoa. It grows to around 50 meters (160 feet) tall with a highly buttressed trunk. It inhabits mangrove swamps.

The bark and leaves of the ipil are used in traditional medicines. The tree’s timber, called merbau or kwila, is a very durable and termite-resistant wood, making it a highly valued material for fencing, decking and other building projects. The wood can also be used to extract a dye. Merbau can contain a "gold" fleck that runs through the grain, considered to be attractive by some.

Physical Properties
The heartwood of Merbau is yellowish to orange brown, turning brown when exposed to air. Its grain is straight to slightly interlocked, and its luster is variable. Merbau seasons very well with minimal degrade.

Uses
Fencing, Decks, Pergolas, Flooring