New Guinea Bintangor
Scientific name: Calophyllum peekelii
Overview
New Guinea Bintangor (Calophyllum peekelii) is a tropical hardwood native to the rainforests of New Guinea and nearby islands in the southwestern Pacific. A member of the Calophyllaceae family, it is one of several timber-producing species collectively marketed under the trade name Bintangor. The species grows naturally in lowland and foothill rainforests, where it develops large, straight trunks that provide quality commercial timber for a variety of woodworking applications.
The wood is valued for its attractive golden-brown coloration, moderate density, and dependable machining characteristics. Throughout its native range, New Guinea Bintangor has been used for furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, veneer, paneling, flooring, and general construction. Although it is less familiar internationally than many better-known tropical hardwoods, it remains an important regional timber because of its versatility and consistent performance.
Freshly cut heartwood ranges from pale golden-brown to medium brown and gradually deepens in color as it ages. The grain is typically interlocked or gently wavy, often producing attractive ribbon figure on quartersawn lumber. Combined with its moderate natural luster, these characteristics make New Guinea Bintangor suitable for both decorative and structural woodworking.
Within the Asian hardwood collection, New Guinea Bintangor represents another important Pacific member of the Calophyllum genus and further demonstrates the diversity found within the commercially valuable Bintangor timber group.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: New Guinea Bintangor
- Scientific Name: Calophyllum peekelii
- Region: Asian Hardwoods
- Native Range: Papua New Guinea, Indonesian New Guinea
- Tree Size: 90–160 ft tall (27–49 m), 2–5 ft trunk diameter (0.6–1.5 m)
- Average Dried Weight: Approximately 40–47 lbs/ft³ (640–755 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: Approximately 1,350–1,600 lbf
- Color: Golden brown to medium brown, darkening gradually with age
- Grain: Usually interlocked to slightly wavy
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
New Guinea Bintangor is recognized by its warm golden-brown heartwood, moderate natural luster, and attractive interlocked grain. The sapwood is pale cream to light yellow and clearly separated from the darker heartwood.
The wood has a medium texture with evenly distributed pores that produce a smooth, uniform appearance. Quartersawn boards commonly display attractive ribbon figure created by the interlocked grain, while freshly machined surfaces develop a pleasing natural sheen.
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
- Good natural durability
Working Properties
New Guinea Bintangor is considered an easy-to-work hardwood that performs well with both hand and machine tools. Although the interlocked grain may occasionally cause tear-out during planing, sharp cutters generally produce smooth finished surfaces.
The wood glues readily, sands easily, and accepts both stains and clear finishes exceptionally well. It also turns cleanly and develops an attractive natural polish suitable for fine furniture and decorative 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 New Guinea Bintangor may cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. Proper dust extraction and respiratory protection are recommended during machining and sanding operations.
Common Uses
New Guinea 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 peekelii is native to the tropical rainforests of New Guinea, one of the world’s most biologically diverse regions. These forests provide essential habitat for countless endemic plant and animal species while supporting sustainable timber industries throughout the region.
Like many tropical hardwoods, responsible forest management is essential to ensuring the long-term health of native forests. Sustainable harvesting practices, certified forestry programs, and responsible sourcing help maintain healthy ecosystems while supporting local communities and preserving valuable timber resources for future generations.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Papuan Bintangor – A closely related Calophyllum species native to New Guinea with nearly identical appearance and woodworking characteristics.
Bintangor – Calophyllum soulattri is the principal commercial species sold under the Bintangor trade name and serves as the benchmark for the group.
Philippine Bintangor – A Philippine member of the Calophyllum genus valued for furniture, cabinetry, and architectural millwork.
Related Guides
Plantation vs Wild-Harvested Hardwood – Learn how responsibly managed forests help protect tropical hardwood resources.
Why Some Species Become Restricted – Discover why certain tropical hardwoods face increasing harvesting and trade regulations.
Labeling and Cataloging Wood – Learn how to organize and document hardwood specimens for a growing collection.
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
New Guinea Bintangor is an outstanding addition to collections featuring tropical hardwoods from New Guinea and the southwestern Pacific. Its attractive golden-brown heartwood, ribbon figure, and consistent working properties make it representative of one of the region’s important commercial hardwood groups.
Collectors appreciate well-prepared samples that highlight the wood’s natural luster and interlocked grain. Displayed alongside Papuan Bintangor, Bintangor, Philippine Bintangor, and Alexandrian Laurel, New Guinea Bintangor helps illustrate the diversity and geographic distribution of 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.
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
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