Common Name: Australian Teak

General Information

Flindersia australis is a large, semi-deciduous tree with a dense, oval crown, that can grow up to 40 metres tall, but is rather smaller when growing in drier forests and vine thickets[, , ]. Larger specimens are usually moderately buttressed[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its useful timber. It is sometimes planted as an avenue tree[, ].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Australia - New South Wales, Queensland.

Habitat

Dry and subtropical to tropical forests at low elevations[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Semi-deciduous Tree
Height	30.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in subtropical to tropical climates. The plants can tolerate light frosts[].
Succeeds in full sun and in dappled shade[]. Tolerant of a wide range of soils[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The rough, tuberculated fruits are used as rasps for preparing edible roots and other foods[].

The yellow-brown wood is hard, strong, close-grained and durable[, , ]. It is used for staves[]. Although flammable, it has been in demand for building and flooring[, ]. It is particularly valued for flooring because of its durability and oily finish - this also makes it very useful in ship building[].
The wood has a high oil content and is highly flammable[, ]. Even freshly cut wood burns very well once ignited[].
We do not have any more information on the wood of this species. However, the following is a general description of the wood from species in this genus:-
The heartwood is brownish-pink, darkening upon exposure to a medium brown shade; it is demarcated from the narrow band of grayish sapwood. The texture is medium; the grain often interlocked, sometimes wavy or curly, producing a wide range of figure; the lustre is silky; the wood is slightly scented when freshly cut. The heartwood is rated as not durable. The wood seasons satisfactorily, with some tendency to warp and collapse. It works well in most hand and machine operations; torn grain is common when planing quartered surfaces; it takes a good finish; nails and
glues well. The wood is used for purposes such as fine furniture and cabinetwork, decorative veneers, interior joinery, paneling, musical instruments, rifle stocks[].

Propagation

Seed - germination is quick if the seed is sown fresh (within a week of harvest)[]. The seed can be stored for a long period in the fridge, still retaining good viability[].

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