Teysmann’s Bintangor
Scientific name: Calophyllum teysmannii
Overview
Teysmann’s Bintangor (Calophyllum teysmannii) is a tropical hardwood native to Southeast Asia, where it is naturally distributed throughout Malaysia, Indonesia, and Borneo. A member of the Calophyllaceae family, it is one of several timber-producing species marketed under the general trade name Bintangor. The species grows primarily in lowland tropical rainforests, producing tall, straight trunks that yield quality commercial lumber for a variety of woodworking applications.
The wood is valued for its attractive golden-brown coloration, moderate density, and dependable working characteristics. While less well known internationally than Teak or Mahogany, Teysmann’s Bintangor has long been used throughout Southeast Asia for furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, veneer, and general construction. Its balanced strength and ease of machining make it a practical hardwood for both commercial manufacturers and individual woodworkers.
Freshly cut heartwood ranges from pale golden-brown to medium brown and gradually deepens in color with age. The grain is typically interlocked or slightly wavy, producing attractive ribbon figure on quartersawn lumber. Combined with its moderate natural luster, these characteristics give the wood a refined appearance suitable for decorative woodworking.
Within the Asian hardwood collection, Teysmann’s Bintangor represents another important member of the Calophyllum genus and highlights the diversity found within the commercially important Bintangor timber group.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Teysmann’s Bintangor
- Scientific Name: Calophyllum teysmannii
- Region: Asian Hardwoods
- Native Range: Malaysia, Indonesia, Borneo
- Tree Size: 100–150 ft tall (30–46 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: Pale golden-brown to medium brown, darkening with age
- Grain: Usually interlocked to slightly wavy
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
Teysmann’s 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 distinguished from the darker heartwood.
The wood has a medium texture with evenly distributed pores that create a smooth, consistent appearance. Interlocked grain frequently produces subtle ribbon figure on quartersawn surfaces, giving finished lumber additional visual appeal
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
Teysmann’s Bintangor machines well with both hand and machine tools. Although the interlocked grain can occasionally produce tear-out during planing, sharp cutters generally produce excellent results.
The wood glues, sands, and finishes well while developing an attractive natural sheen. It also turns cleanly and accepts stains and clear finishes without difficulty, making it suitable for furniture and architectural applications.
- 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 Teysmann’s 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
Teysmann’s 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 teysmannii grows throughout the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, where it contributes to some of the world’s most biologically diverse ecosystems. Like other members of the Bintangor group, it has supported regional timber industries for many years while also playing an important ecological role within native forests.
Responsible forestry practices, sustainable harvesting, and internationally recognized certification programs help ensure that Bintangor species remain available for future generations while protecting biodiversity and maintaining healthy tropical forest ecosystems.
Whenever possible, responsibly sourced lumber from certified suppliers is recommended to support sustainable forest management.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Bintangor – Calophyllum soulattri is the principal species commonly sold under the Bintangor trade name and shares many similar woodworking characteristics.
Alexandrian Laurel – Another Calophyllum species valued for its attractive grain, natural durability, and historical importance throughout tropical coastal regions.
Papuan Bintangor – A closely related Calophyllum species native to New Guinea with similar appearance and working properties.
Related Guides
Finishing Oils vs Polyurethane on Exotic Species – Compare finishing options for bringing out the beauty of exotic hardwoods.
Building a Documented Wood Collection – Learn how to build and organize a meaningful hardwood collection.
Calophyllum Species Guide – Explore the diverse species within the Calophyllum genus and compare their characteristics.
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
Teysmann’s Bintangor is an excellent addition to collections focused on Southeast Asian hardwoods and the Calophyllum genus. Although less frequently encountered than the principal Bintangor species, it demonstrates the diversity found within this important tropical hardwood group.
Well-prepared samples often display attractive ribbon figure, warm golden-brown coloration, and moderate natural luster. Displaying Teysmann’s Bintangor alongside Bintangor, Alexandrian Laurel, and Santa Maria provides collectors with valuable comparisons between closely related species from different tropical regions.
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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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