Bintangor
Scientific name: Calophyllum soulattri
Overview
Bintangor (Calophyllum soulattri) is a tropical hardwood native to Southeast Asia and the western Pacific, where it occurs naturally from Malaysia and Indonesia to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. A member of the Calophyllaceae family, it is one of several species marketed under the trade name Bintangor and has long been harvested for construction, furniture, cabinetry, veneer, and general woodworking applications.
The species grows in lowland and hill rainforests, producing large, straight trunks that yield quality commercial timber. Bintangor is appreciated for its attractive golden-brown heartwood, moderate density, and dependable machining characteristics. While it is not as internationally recognized as Teak or Mahogany, it has earned a solid reputation throughout Southeast Asia for its versatility and reliable performance.
Freshly cut heartwood ranges from yellowish-brown to golden brown and gradually deepens in color with age. The grain is commonly interlocked or slightly wavy, often producing attractive ribbon figure on quartersawn lumber. Combined with its moderate natural luster, these characteristics make Bintangor suitable for both structural and decorative woodworking projects.
Within the Asian hardwood collection, Bintangor represents one of the most commercially important members of the Calophyllum genus and serves as the benchmark species for the broader Bintangor timber group.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Bintangor
- Scientific Name: Calophyllum soulattri
- Region: Asian Hardwoods
- Native Range: Malaysia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands
- Tree Size: 100–165 ft tall (30–50 m), 2–5 ft trunk diameter (0.6–1.5 m)
- Average Dried Weight: Approximately 39–46 lbs/ft³ (625–735 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: Approximately 1,300–1,500 lbf
- Color: Yellowish-brown to golden brown, darkening with age
- Grain: Usually interlocked to slightly wavy
- Texture: Medium to moderately coarse
Identification Characteristics
Bintangor is recognized by its warm golden-brown heartwood, moderately coarse texture, and interlocked grain. The sapwood is pale cream to light yellow and clearly distinguished from the darker heartwood. Fresh lumber often displays bright golden tones that gradually mature into a richer brown after exposure to light.
The wood possesses a moderate natural luster and frequently exhibits ribbon figure on quartersawn surfaces due to its interlocked grain. Medium-sized pores and a relatively uniform texture contribute to its attractive finished appearance.
Key identification traits include:
- Golden-brown heartwood
- Cream to pale yellow sapwood
- Interlocked to slightly wavy grain
- Medium to moderately coarse texture
- Moderate natural luster
- Ribbon figure on quartersawn lumber
- Distinct heartwood and sapwood contrast
- Good natural durability
Working Properties
Bintangor machines well with conventional woodworking equipment, although the interlocked grain may occasionally produce tear-out during planing. Sharp cutters generally minimize this issue and produce smooth finished surfaces.
The wood glues, sands, and finishes well while developing an attractive natural sheen. It also turns satisfactorily and is suitable for both furniture manufacturing and architectural millwork.
- 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 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
Bintangor common uses include:
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Interior millwork
- Architectural trim
- Decorative veneer
- Paneling
- Flooring
- Woodturning
- Boat interiors
- Carvings
- General construction
- Collector wood samples
Sustainability & Notes
Calophyllum soulattri is widely distributed throughout Southeast Asia and parts of the western Pacific, where it contributes to diverse tropical rainforest ecosystems. As one of the principal species marketed as Bintangor, it has long supported regional timber industries and remains an important commercial hardwood.
Sustainable forest management and responsible harvesting practices are increasingly important throughout its native range. In many areas, certified forestry programs and improved forest management practices help ensure that Bintangor remains available while protecting tropical biodiversity and promoting long-term forest health.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Alexandrian Laurel – A closely related Calophyllum species valued for its attractive grain, natural durability, and production of tamanu oil.
Teysmann’s Bintangor – Another commercial Calophyllum species with similar appearance and woodworking characteristics.
Santa Maria – A tropical American Calophyllum species commonly used for furniture, cabinetry, and millwork.
Related Guides
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern – Learn how grain, texture, and color help identify tropical hardwood species.
Color Changes in Tropical Hardwoods Over Time – Discover how tropical hardwoods naturally darken and mature after exposure to light and air.
Best Woods for Furniture Making – Explore the characteristics that make certain hardwoods ideal for fine furniture and cabinetry.
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
Bintangor is an excellent representative of the Calophyllum genus and an important addition to collections featuring Southeast Asian hardwoods. Its attractive golden-brown heartwood, ribbon figure, and commercial importance make it one of the defining species within the Bintangor timber group.
Collectors often seek well-prepared samples that showcase the wood’s interlocked grain and natural luster. When displayed alongside Alexandrian Laurel, Santa Maria, and other Calophyllum species, Bintangor provides valuable insight into one of the world’s most versatile tropical hardwood genera.
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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.
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