Four-Winged Bintangor
Scientific name: Calophyllum tetrapterum
Overview
Four-Winged Bintangor (Calophyllum tetrapterum) is a tropical hardwood native to Southeast Asia, occurring naturally throughout Malaysia, Indonesia, Borneo, and parts of the Philippines. It belongs to the Calophyllaceae family and is one of several timber-producing species collectively marketed under the trade name Bintangor. The species is named for its distinctive four-winged fruit, a characteristic reflected in both its scientific name and common name.
The tree grows in lowland tropical rainforests, where it develops tall, straight trunks capable of producing high-quality commercial lumber. Four-Winged Bintangor is valued for its moderate density, attractive golden-brown heartwood, and dependable working properties. Although it is less familiar internationally than Teak or Mahogany, it has long been used throughout Southeast Asia for furniture, cabinetry, interior millwork, veneer, paneling, and general construction.
Freshly cut heartwood ranges from pale golden-brown to medium brown before gradually darkening with age. The grain is typically interlocked or gently wavy, often producing attractive ribbon figure on quartersawn boards. Combined with its moderate natural luster, these characteristics make the wood suitable for both structural and decorative woodworking.
Within the Asian hardwood collection, Four-Winged Bintangor represents another important member of the Calophyllum genus and showcases the diversity found within the commercially valuable Bintangor timber group.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Four-Winged Bintangor
- Scientific Name: Calophyllum tetrapterum
- Region: Asian Hardwoods
- Native Range: Malaysia, Indonesia, Borneo, Philippines
- Tree Size: 90–150 ft tall (27–46 m), 2–5 ft trunk diameter (0.6–1.5 m)
- Average Dried Weight: Approximately 40–46 lbs/ft³ (640–735 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: Approximately 1,350–1,550 lbf
- Color: Golden brown to medium brown, darkening with age
- Grain: Usually interlocked to slightly wavy
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
Four-Winged Bintangor is recognized by its attractive golden-brown heartwood, interlocked grain, and moderate natural luster. The sapwood is pale cream to yellow and clearly distinguished from the darker heartwood.
The wood has a medium texture with evenly distributed pores that create a smooth, uniform appearance. Quartersawn boards frequently display ribbon figure caused by the interlocked grain, while freshly machined surfaces often exhibit an attractive natural sheen.
The tree itself is easily distinguished by its characteristic four-winged fruits, a feature unique enough to inspire its common name.
Key identification traits include:
- Golden-brown heartwood
- Cream to pale yellow sapwood
- Interlocked to slightly wavy grain
- Medium texture
- Moderate natural luster
- Ribbon figure on quartersawn lumber
- Distinct heartwood and sapwood contrast
- Characteristic four-winged fruits
Working Properties
Four-Winged Bintangor is considered an easy-to-machine hardwood that performs well with both hand and power tools. While the interlocked grain can occasionally produce tear-out during planing, sharp cutters generally provide smooth finished surfaces.
The wood glues readily, sands well, and accepts both stains and clear finishes. It also turns cleanly and develops an attractive natural polish, making it suitable for furniture, cabinetry, and architectural woodworking.
- Machines well
- Turns well
- Sands smoothly
- Accepts glue readily
- Finishes exceptionally well
- Develops an attractive natural polish
- Moderate dimensional stability
- Occasional tear-out in interlocked grain
Safety Note
Wood dust from Four-Winged Bintangor may cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. Proper dust collection and respiratory protection are recommended during machining and sanding operations.
Common Uses
Four-Winged Bintangor common uses include:
- Fine furniture
- Cabinetry
- Interior millwork
- Architectural trim
- Decorative veneer
- Paneling
- Flooring
- Woodturning
- Boat interiors
- Carvings
- General construction
- Collector wood samples
Sustainability & Notes
Calophyllum tetrapterum grows within the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, where it contributes to diverse forest ecosystems and provides habitat for numerous plant and animal species. Like other members of the Bintangor group, it has served as an important commercial hardwood throughout its native range.
Responsible forest management, sustainable harvesting, and internationally recognized forestry certification programs continue to play an important role in protecting tropical forests while ensuring the long-term availability of valuable hardwood resources. Whenever possible, responsibly sourced lumber from certified suppliers is recommended.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Bintangor – Calophyllum soulattri is the principal species commonly marketed as Bintangor and shares many similar physical and woodworking characteristics.
Nodosum Bintangor – Another Southeast Asian Calophyllum species with comparable appearance, density, and commercial uses.
Papuan Bintangor – A closely related species native to New Guinea that produces similar quality timber.
Related Guides
Understanding Wood Strength: What Makes Wood Strong? – Learn how strength properties influence woodworking applications and structural performance.
Wood Movement and Seasonal Expansion Explained – Discover how changes in moisture affect hardwood stability over time.
Calophyllum Species Guide – Compare Four-Winged Bintangor with other important members of the Calophyllum genus.
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
Four-Winged Bintangor is an excellent addition to collections featuring Southeast Asian hardwoods because it combines attractive wood characteristics with unique botanical features. The species’ distinctive four-winged fruit makes it particularly interesting from both a botanical and educational standpoint.
Collectors often seek well-prepared samples that display the wood’s ribbon figure, golden-brown coloration, and natural luster. When displayed alongside Bintangor, Philippine Bintangor, Teysmann’s Bintangor, and Alexandrian Laurel, it helps illustrate the diversity found within the Calophyllum genus.
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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.
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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
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