Scientific Name
Trochodendron aralioides
Trade Name
Bird-lime tree
Family Name
Trochodendraceae
Common Names
Bird-lime tree
Regions of Distribution
Oceania and S.E. Asia
Countries of Distribution [VIEW MAP]
Japan
Common Uses
Boat building (general), Cabinetmaking, Furniture, Handles: woodworking tools, Joinery, Light construction, Plywood, Pulp/Paper products, Tool handles, Turnery, Veneer
Heartwood Color
| Yellow | ||||||||||||
| Orange | ||||||||||||
| Red | ||||||||||||
| Pale red to pink | ||||||||||||
| Brown, red, dark reddish brown with nearly black stripes after prolonged exposure |
Sapwood Color
| White to yellow |
Grain
| Even | ||||||||||||
| Figure | ||||||||||||
| Straight | ||||||||||||
| Distinct (figure) |
| Straight | ||||||||||||
| Distinct figure |
Texture
| Fine | ||||||||||||
| Fine |
Luster
| Medium | ||||||||||||
| High |
Natural Durability
| Perishable | ||||||||||||
| Susceptible to marine borer attack | ||||||||||||
| Susceptible to attack from termites (Isoptera) | ||||||||||||
| Resistant to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles | ||||||||||||
| Perishable | ||||||||||||
| Non durable |
Ease of Drying
| Moderate |
Tree Size
| Tree height is 0-10 m | ||||||||||||
| Tree height is 10-20 m |
Response to Hand Tools
| Easy to Work |
Strength Properties
| Density (dry weight) = 38-45 lbs/cu. ft. | ||||||||||||
| Shrinkage, Tangential = moderate | ||||||||||||
| Shrinkage, Tangential = large | ||||||||||||
| Shrinkage, Tangential = fairly large | ||||||||||||
| Shrinkage, Radial = moderate | ||||||||||||
| Shrinkage, Radial = large | ||||||||||||
| Shrinkage, Radial = fairly large |
Numerical Data
| Item | Green | Dry | English |
| Density | 40 | lbs/ft3 | |
| Weight | 39 | 31 | lbs/ft3 |
| Radial Shrinkage | 5 | % | |
| Tangential Shrinkage | 8 | % | |
| Item | Green | Dry | Metric |
| Density | 641 | kg/m3 | |
| Weight | 624 | 496 | kg/m3 |
| Radial Shrinkage | 5 | % |
References
Keating, W.G., Bolza, E.,1982,Characteristics properties and uses of timbers. South East Asia, Northern,Australia and the Pacific,C.S.I.R.O. Div. Chemical Technology,Inkata Press,1