Common Name: Cairns Ash

General Information

Cairns ash is a slow-growing tree.
This species has been one of the most important structural timber species of northern Queensland[]. Small amounts are traded internationally from Papua New Guinea[].
The tree's range in Papua New Guinea is relatively restricted, fragile and threatened by logging activities. The tree has therefore been listed as 'Endangered' in that part of its range in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2009)[]. More information is needed about the status of the plant in Australia[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Australia - Queensland, north to Papua New Guinea.

Habitat

Monsoon and gallery forest, at elevations up to 50 metres in New Guinea and to 400 metres in Australia[, ]. Drier, more seasonal rain forest, often associated with Agathis robusta; also in beach forest and low closed forest on old sand dunes[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Endangered
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	0.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the lowland moist tropics.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The yellowish wood is hard, strong, close-grained and very durable[, ]. It is used for a variety of purposes including bridge girders, chisel handles, flooring and exterior joinery[, ].
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 -

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