Pen #59
Wood Information
Mechanical Pencit #L2
Philippine Mahogany, Red Lauan: (Shorea negrosensis/ Parashorea plicata / Parashorea
melaanonan)
Common names: Philippine Mahogany, Light Red Lauan, White seraya, Urat mata, Light Red
Meranti. Pacific Maple. Several species of Shorea go under this name. Many similar species from
this region are used interchangeably.
Distribution: Parashorea is reported to be a comparatively small genus, and is represented over a
wide area from Burma, Indo-China, Sumatra and the mala Peninsula in the west to Borneo and the
Philippines in the east. Parashorea plicata is reported to occur in the Philippines, and is found on
practically all the Islands, except in northern Luzon. It is considered as one of the most abundant
species in the islands.
Tree Data: Parashorea trees are very large, attaining heights of about 200 feet (60 m), with trunk
diameters of 36 to 60 inches (90 to 150 cm) above large buttresses. Philippine trees reach up to 6
feet (1.8 m) in diameter. They usually develop straight and well formed boles that have
merchantable lengths of about 100 feet (30 m).
Timber Properties : Sapwood Color The sapwood is usually very wide, 2.5 to 3 inches (60 to 80
mm) and is whitish in color when freshly-cut, but darkens to light gray upon drying. It is not very
distinct from the heartwood. Heartwood Color The heartwood is straw, light brown, or reddish
brown in color, turning slightly darker upon exposure. Grain The grain is typically interlocked.
Texture: Texture is medium and even. Odor There is no distinctive odor or taste.
Common Uses: Cabinetmaking, Flooring, Furniture, Joinery, Light construction, Plywood,
Shipbuilding, Balusters, Bedroom suites, Building construction, Building materials, Chairs, Chests,
Concealed parts (Furniture), patterns.
Harding Pens and Woodturnings
Wood Information