Nodosum Bintangor
Scientific name: Calophyllum nodosum
Overview
Nodosum Bintangor (Calophyllum nodosum) is a tropical hardwood native to Southeast Asia, where it is found primarily in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Borneo. A member of the Calophyllaceae family, it is one of several species marketed under the general trade name Bintangor and contributes to the diverse group of commercial Calophyllum timbers harvested throughout the region.
The species grows naturally in lowland and hill rainforests, producing tall, straight trunks that yield quality lumber suitable for a wide variety of woodworking applications. Nodosum Bintangor is valued for its moderate density, attractive golden-brown heartwood, and dependable machining characteristics. Although less familiar internationally than species such as Teak or Mahogany, it has long been used regionally for furniture, cabinetry, 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. Its moderate natural luster and uniform texture allow it to produce attractive finished surfaces suitable for both decorative and practical applications.
Within the Asian hardwood collection, Nodosum Bintangor represents another important commercial member of the Calophyllum genus and helps illustrate the diversity of the Bintangor timber group.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Nodosum Bintangor
- Scientific Name: Calophyllum nodosum
- Region: Asian Hardwoods
- Native Range: Malaysia, Indonesia, Borneo
- Tree Size: 80–140 ft tall (24–43 m), 2–4 ft trunk diameter (0.6–1.2 m)
- Average Dried Weight: Approximately 40–46 lbs/ft³ (640–735 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: Approximately 1,300–1,500 lbf
- Color: Golden brown to medium brown, darkening gradually with age
- Grain: Usually interlocked to slightly wavy
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
Nodosum Bintangor is recognized by its warm golden-brown heartwood, moderate natural luster, and attractive interlocked grain. The sapwood is pale cream to yellow and contrasts clearly with the darker heartwood.
The wood possesses a medium texture with evenly distributed pores that produce a clean, consistent appearance. Interlocked grain commonly creates ribbon figure on quartersawn lumber, while the smooth texture allows the wood to accept finishes exceptionally well.
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
Nodosum Bintangor is considered an easy-to-work hardwood that performs well with both hand and machine tools. Although the interlocked grain may occasionally cause minor tear-out during planing, sharp cutters generally produce smooth finished surfaces.
The wood glues readily, sands well, and develops an attractive natural finish. It also turns cleanly and accepts both stains and clear finishes with excellent results.
- 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 Nodosum 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
Nodosum 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 nodosum grows within the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, where it contributes to ecologically important forest ecosystems rich in biodiversity. Like other members of the Bintangor group, it has supported regional timber industries while providing valuable habitat for countless plant and animal species.
Sustainable harvesting practices and responsible forest management are increasingly important to ensure the long-term availability of Bintangor timbers. Purchasing lumber from responsibly managed forests and certified suppliers helps promote healthy tropical forests while supporting sustainable timber production.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Philippine Bintangor – Another regional Calophyllum species valued for furniture, cabinetry, and architectural millwork.
Malayan Bintangor – A closely related Southeast Asian species with similar appearance and commercial applications.
Alexandrian Laurel – A coastal Calophyllum species recognized for its attractive grain, natural durability, and historical importance.
Related Guides
Machining Dense Tropical Hardwoods – Learn techniques for machining tropical hardwoods cleanly while minimizing tool wear.
Preventing Tear-Out in Interlocked Grain – Discover methods for working woods with interlocked grain and producing smoother finished surfaces.
Gluing Exotic Woods: Challenges and Solutions – Learn how proper adhesives and preparation improve glue performance on exotic hardwoods.
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
Nodosum Bintangor is an excellent addition to collections featuring Southeast Asian hardwoods and the diverse Calophyllum genus. While less frequently encountered than the principal Bintangor species, it offers collectors an opportunity to document another important member of this commercially valuable timber group.
Well-prepared samples display attractive golden-brown coloration, ribbon figure, and moderate natural luster. Displayed alongside Bintangor, Teysmann’s Bintangor, Philippine Bintangor, and Alexandrian Laurel, it provides valuable comparisons within 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.
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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