Palosapis
Scientific name: Anisoptera thurifera
Overview
Palosapis (Anisoptera thurifera) is a large tropical hardwood native to the Philippines and belongs to the Dipterocarpaceae family, one of Southeast Asia’s most economically important hardwood families. It is one of several Anisoptera species that produce commercial timber and has long been harvested for construction lumber, furniture, plywood, and general woodworking applications throughout the Philippines.
The species grows in lowland tropical rainforests, where it develops tall, straight trunks that yield long, high-quality logs. Palosapis is appreciated for its moderate density, attractive light brown coloration, and dependable working characteristics. While it is not considered a highly decorative exotic hardwood, its combination of strength, stability, and ease of machining has made it an important commercial timber for decades.
Freshly cut heartwood ranges from pale yellowish-brown to light brown and gradually darkens with age. The grain is typically straight, although occasional interlocked grain may occur, while the medium texture produces smooth finished surfaces suitable for a variety of woodworking projects.
Within the Asian hardwood group, Palosapis represents one of the Philippines’ most recognized commercial hardwoods and an important member of the Dipterocarp family.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Palosapis
- Scientific Name: Anisoptera thurifera
- Region: Asian Hardwoods
- Native Range: Philippines
- Tree Size: 130–200 ft tall (40–60 m), 3–5 ft trunk diameter (0.9–1.5 m)
- Average Dried Weight: Approximately 38–44 lbs/ft³ (610–705 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: Approximately 1,200–1,400 lbf
- Color: Pale yellowish-brown to light brown, darkening slightly with age
- Grain: Usually straight, occasionally slightly interlocked
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
Palosapis is recognized by its pale yellowish-brown heartwood, relatively uniform appearance, and generally straight grain. The sapwood is lighter in color and clearly separated from the heartwood, producing a noticeable contrast in freshly sawn lumber.
The wood possesses a medium texture with moderate natural luster. Growth rings are generally indistinct, while medium-sized pores create a clean, even surface. Slight interlocked grain may occasionally produce subtle ribbon figure on quartersawn boards, although most lumber exhibits a straight grain pattern.
Key identification traits include:
- Pale yellowish-brown heartwood
- Cream to pale yellow sapwood
- Straight to slightly interlocked grain
- Medium texture
- Moderate natural luster
- Uniform appearance
- Good dimensional stability
- Occasional ribbon figure on quartersawn lumber
Working Properties
Palosapis is considered a good general-purpose hardwood that machines well with conventional woodworking equipment. It cuts, planes, drills, and shapes cleanly while maintaining good dimensional stability after proper drying.
The wood glues readily, sands to a smooth finish, and accepts stains and clear finishes evenly. Its balanced properties have made it a popular choice for furniture manufacturing, millwork, and construction applications throughout Southeast Asia.
- Machines easily
- Planes cleanly
- Turns well
- Sands smoothly
- Accepts glue readily
- Finishes well
- Good nail and screw holding
- Moderate dimensional stability
- Suitable for veneer production
Safety Note
Wood dust from Palosapis may cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. Appropriate dust collection and respiratory protection are recommended during machining and sanding operations.
Common Uses
Palosapis common uses include:
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Interior millwork
- Doors
- Window frames
- Architectural trim
- Paneling
- Plywood
- Decorative veneer
- Interior flooring
- General construction
- Utility woodworking
Sustainability & Notes
Anisoptera thurifera is native to the Philippines, where it forms part of the country’s remaining lowland Dipterocarp forests. These forests are among the most biologically diverse ecosystems in Southeast Asia but have experienced significant reductions due to historical logging, agricultural expansion, and land-use changes.
Today, responsible forest management, reforestation efforts, and sustainable harvesting practices are increasingly important for protecting native Dipterocarp species and preserving the biodiversity of Philippine forests. Whenever available, responsibly sourced lumber certified through recognized forestry programs is the preferred choice.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Mersawa Durian – Another Anisoptera species with similar appearance, density, and woodworking characteristics.
Mersawa Paya – Closely related and commonly marketed under the same trade name, Mersawa.
White Meranti – Similar in appearance and widely used for furniture, joinery, and plywood.
Related Guides
Drying & Acclimating Exotic Woods – Learn best practices for drying, acclimating, and stabilizing tropical hardwoods before use.
Understanding CITES & Protected Species – Learn how international conservation efforts and trade regulations affect tropical hardwood species.
Dipterocarp Species Overview – Explore the diverse hardwood species within Southeast Asia’s important Dipterocarp family.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Palosapis is an excellent representative of the commercially important hardwoods native to the Philippines. Although it lacks the dramatic colors or figure of many decorative tropical hardwoods, its historical importance within the Philippine timber industry makes it a valuable addition to regional and educational wood collections.
Well-prepared samples display clean grain, subtle color variation, and consistent texture while providing useful comparisons with other members of the Dipterocarp family, including Mersawa, Meranti, Keruing, and Balau.
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Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
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Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
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