[Wood Profile] What You Need To Know: Belian
Belian is one of the less-common timber woods that we export. But we still export it nonetheless.
The Belian tree is native to a lot of South East Asian countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, among others. Its timber is said to be one of the hardest and durable ones that you can ever find in the South East Asian region.
The Belian tree is an indigenous rainforest tree that are amongst over 4000+ trees added to forest sites. They are mostly chosen in partnership with Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (also known as FRIM) and Malaysian Nature Society (also known as MNS). These are some of the trees that are classified as “Vulnerable” in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (also known as IUCN) for Red List of Threatened Species. The tree is listed for overexploitation and shifting agriculture. The Belian trees are profoundly harvested for its timber. Its timber is one of the toughest and most durable timbers of the Southeast Asian region.
Having said that, here are some things you should know about the Belian timber type.
Wood Characteristics
Belian trees are said to be able to grow really tall. Its physical growth features can reach up to 40-50 meters in height. It’s also said that it takes up to 120 years for the tree to reach 30cm in diameter. It has an elephant-like base. That way it can support its really elevated height and weight.
Belian wood is classed under heavy hardwood group and of high market value. Its wood is very hard and does not rot easily. Furthermore, it is naturally resistant due to its unique structural features. It is called Borneo ironwood as a nickname by Borneo inhabitants. The stumps of logged belian trees are still around decades after they are cut down.
Common Uses
Due to its density, Eusideroxylon zwageri is one of very few wood kinds that does not float in water. Belian wood is popularly used for heavy construction and large-scale production such as building house structures, pillars, floors, and walls. This wood is also used to make shingles for roofing. Dayak longhouse structures are usually built using the Belian wood. It is also highly-valued as coffin wood by the Chinese community.
Conclusion
If you ever need belian wood, do not hesitate to contact us. We’d be happy to help you out!