Taun [pometia pinnata, pometia tomentosa] also known as Akwa [Solomon Islands] and Kasai [Malaysia]
Uses include staircase, joinery, flooring, decking and exterior cladding
Some FSC and VLO product out of PNG. Mainly CBFT and Eco product ex Solomon Islands
Taun is grade 2 durable, reasonably easy to work though dust may cause irritation.
It is a versatile joinery timber, which at some time in the future, I believe, will come into wider acceptance in the Australian market. Current major species such as Surian and Rosewood are a limited resource. On our doorstep in PNG and Solomon Islands, Taun is a major species in most logging areas. There are a couple of milling operations in PNG which produce a very good kiln dry, sawn product however supply is infrequent. This results in a lack of continuity of supply and therefore minor support in the market.
When timber is in stock sizes generally are 150/200×25,38 and 50mm. The pinnata sp is the more user friendly. Density varies 700kg/m3 to approx 850kgm3. Colour is uniform pink or brownish red.
Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, New South Wales north, mid and central coast, Newcastle, Sydney, Wollongong, Southern Highlands, Melbourne.