Bintangor Wood: A Comprehensive Guide to a Versatile Tropical Hardwood

Executive Summary: A Hidden Gem in the Hardwood Market

Bintangor wood, the commercial name for timber from various species of the Calophyllum genus, is a versatile and resilient tropical hardwood that is gaining recognition in the global market. Often referred to as "Haitangmu" in some Chinese markets, this name can be misleading as it refers to an unrelated ornamental plant. Bintangor is a strategic alternative to more well-known species like African Mahogany and Sapele, offering a compelling blend of aesthetic appeal, exceptional physical properties, and cost-effectiveness.

Characterized by a heartwood that ranges from a delicate pinkish-red to a deep reddish-brown with fine, dark streaks, Bintangor boasts a rich visual appeal. Its most significant feature is its Janka hardness, which is comparable to, and in some cases even surpasses, that of Sapele, a prominent choice for high-traffic flooring. This robust hardness, combined with its resistance to wear and tear, positions Bintangor as a high-performance material for demanding applications. While its interlocked grain can pose challenges during processing, these can be managed with proper tools and techniques, making it a valuable material for high-end applications like fine furniture, decorative veneers, and flooring.

This guide provides a detailed, data-driven analysis of Bintangor wood, designed to help professionals navigate its nomenclature, properties, and market potential. It is not merely a substitute for other woods but a premier material with its own unique advantages, ready to meet the demands of modern construction, furniture, and design.

1. Nomenclature and Identification: A Guide for Professionals

1.1 Commercial and Scientific Names

Bintangor is the globally recognized trade name for wood from the Calophyllum genus. This name is particularly prominent in Indonesia and Malaysia, while in Papua New Guinea it is often referred to as CAL, and in the Solomon Islands by the codes CA or CL [User Query]. The name "Bintangor" is said to originate from the crystalline sap that seeps from the tree, which resembles rock candy.

In the Chinese market, it is commonly known as "冰糖果" (Bingtangguo) [User Query] or "海棠木" (Haitangmu). While the former is a phonetic and descriptive term, the latter can cause confusion. "Haitang" (

Malus spectabilis) It is the Chinese name for a species of crabapple, an ornamental plant entirely unrelated to the Calophyllum genus. For professional accuracy, it is essential to use the scientific name

Calophyllum spp. to ensure the correct material is procured.

1.2 Botanical and Physical Identification

The Calophyllum genus is part of the Clusiaceae family (formerly Guttiferae), known for trees that produce resinous or milky sap. Since the commercial timber is often sourced from a mix of species within this genus, it is commonly denoted as

Calophyllum spp..The tree itself can grow to impressive heights, often reaching 40 meters, with a straight trunk up to 1.5 meters in diameter [User Query, 27]. The bark can be up to 4 cm thick, with an outer layer that peels off in vertical strips and a reddish-brown inner bark rich in stone cells [User Query].

For identification of the wood itself, professionals should look for these key features:

• Heartwood & Sapwood: The heartwood is a distinct rose-red to reddish-brown, often with fine brown streaks, while the sapwood is a pale yellow-gray and is clearly demarcated.

• Texture & Grain: The grain is typically interlocked, spiral, or wavy.This interlocked grain produces a beautiful ribbon-like figure on quarter-sawn surfaces.The wood has a high luster and a medium to moderately coarse, and uneven texture.

• Resin Exudate: A key identifying feature is the pale yellow resin that may ooze from the wood surface.

2. Physical and Mechanical Properties: A Data-Driven Analysis

Bintangor's reputation is built on its robust physical and mechanical properties, which make it a high-performance material for a variety of demanding applications.

2.1 Density, Hardness, and Strength

Bintangor is classified as a light to medium-weight hardwood, with an air-dried density ranging from 0.60 to 0.74 g/cm³. This places it in a strong category, contributing to its durability and resilience. The most compelling evidence of its structural integrity comes from its Janka hardness rating. Research indicates a dry Janka hardness that can reach as high as 1475 lbf (6560 N). This is significantly harder than African Mahogany (1070 lbf) and on par with Sapele (1410 lbf), a wood highly valued for flooring. This hardness gives Bintangor a distinct advantage in applications where wear resistance is critical.

In terms of mechanical strength, Bintangor is considered a "moderately strong" wood.It has a static bending strength of approximately 105 MPa and a crushing strength of 66 MPa.These values are sufficient for its use in furniture, flooring, and light structural elements.

2.2 Comparative Analysis with Market Leaders

The strategic value of Bintangor is best understood when compared to its primary competitors. The following table highlights its key advantages in the global market.

3. Workability and Processing: Practical Considerations

While Bintangor is a robust and beautiful wood, its workability presents specific challenges that require professional knowledge and skill.

3.1 Sawing and Planing

Due to its pronounced interlocked grain, Bintangor has a tendency to "tear out" during planing and sawing. To mitigate this, a reduced cutting angle of 15-20° and the use of sharp tools are recommended to achieve a smooth surface. The wood has a normal blunting effect on tools, so ordinary or alloy steel tools can be used.

3.2 Drying and Dimensional Stability

Bintangor has a high shrinkage rate, which makes it susceptible to warping, cracking, and end checks during the drying process. Studies show a significant tangential shrinkage of 5.7% and a radial shrinkage of 3.9% from green to kiln-dried state. Therefore, a slow and controlled drying regimen is necessary, and professional guidance is recommended. Once dried to an appropriate moisture content, the wood is rated as having moderate dimensional stability in service.

3.3 Gluing, Nailing, and Finishing

Bintangor glues well for interior use, but care must be taken as some extractive content may cause staining. The wood holds nails and screws well, but pre-boring is necessary due to its density to prevent splitting. While a planed surface may appear "woolly," it can be sanded and polished to a high-quality finish. Filling is recommended to achieve a perfectly smooth surface before final finishing.

4. Commercial Applications and Market Positioning

Bintangor's unique combination of properties makes it highly versatile and a strategic asset in the global market.

4.1 Primary Applications

Bintangor is widely used in high-end products and architectural applications due to its attractive appearance and durability.

• Veneer and Plywood: Its beautiful grain and smooth surface make it an excellent material for sliced and rotary-cut veneers, which are then used as face and back veneers for plywood. Bintangor plywood is a popular choice for furniture, cabinetry, and interior decoration due to its aesthetic appeal and cost-effectiveness.

• Furniture and Joinery: Its reddish color and unique grain patterns make it a preferred choice for crafting high-quality furniture, interior paneling, doors, and window frames.

• Flooring: The high Janka hardness of Bintangor makes it a durable option for flooring, especially in high-traffic areas where it can withstand more wear and tear than softer hardwoods.

• Specialized Uses: Bintangor is also used in musical instruments, stair parts, light carpentry, and boat building, demonstrating its versatility.

4.2 Strategic Market Comparison

Bintangor’s value proposition extends beyond being a simple substitute. It is a strategic alternative that directly competes with other hardwoods on a performance basis. While African Mahogany is known for its workability and cost, its lower hardness makes it less suitable for high-wear applications like flooring. Sapele, prized for its hardness and beautiful grain, faces higher demand and may have a less consistent supply. Bintangor, with comparable hardness to Sapele and a similar visual aesthetic, offers a compelling balance of performance, beauty, and a more stable supply, making it an ideal choice for professionals seeking a high-value solution.

5. Global Sourcing and Sustainability: Navigating a Changing Market

5.1 Supply Chain Dynamics

The global supply of Bintangor has shifted due to changes in national forestry policies. While Malaysia and Indonesia were once primary suppliers, both countries have implemented strict raw log export bans to support their domestic processing industries.This has led to a market shift towards other major suppliers, particularly Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands [User Query]. This new supply dynamic requires professionals to be well-versed in the export regulations and legal sourcing practices of these countries to ensure compliance and a stable supply chain.

5.2 The Role of Sustainable Certification

Bintangor (Calophyllum spp.) is not currently listed in the CITES Appendices, which simplifies its international trade compared to many other tropical hardwoods. However, the demand for legal and sustainably sourced timber is increasing globally.Certifications such as

FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) are becoming a critical market requirement, especially in Europe and the United States. Sourcing Bintangor with these certifications is not only a matter of ethical responsibility but also a key factor in enhancing a company's market competitiveness and reputation.

6. Conclusion

Bintangor wood is a truly versatile and valuable tropical hardwood. Its combination of a stunning reddish-brown color, beautiful grain, and a Janka hardness that rivals even Sapele makes it a high-performance choice for a wide array of applications. From high-end furniture and decorative veneers to durable flooring and cabinetry, Bintangor offers a strategic solution for professionals seeking a material that balances aesthetic excellence, robust physical properties, and a stable supply chain. By embracing Bintangor, manufacturers and designers can meet modern market demands for quality, durability, and responsible sourcing, securing its position as a star material in the global hardwood market.

---

Appendix: Comprehensive Data Tables

Table 1: Bintangor (Calophyllum spp.) Common Names and Origins

Table 2: Key Properties of Bintangor, Sapele, and African Mahogany