NYATOH-ITS SUSTAINABILITY AS FURNITURE TIMBER

Abstract

Nyatoh is a light hardwood and a popular timber in the furniture industry. This is because of its attractive physical appearance, particularly on the radial surface and its colour which is light red-brown to orange-brown. The lighter shade of the sapwood merges gradually with the deeper shades of the heartwood. Its air dry density varies from 400 to 1075 kg m^-3 depending on species. Nyatoh is derived from several genera of Sapotaceae; the more common being Madhuca, Palaquium and Payena. Species from these genera such as Madhuca utilis, Palaquium ridleyi and P. stellatum which are very heavy may be excluded from the nyatoh group and referred to as bitis. Nyatoh may be found from lowland to upper hill forests at 1650 m altitude and in fresh water and peat swamp forests. Demand and supply of nyatoh as indicated by prices in the domestic and export markets have been volatile but trending upwards. The demand for nyatoh in the domestic market has even exceeded that of dark red and light red meranti from 1995 onwards, particularly for sawntimber. The demand for nyatoh in furniture manufacturing is expected to continue but its supply is decreasing as seen from the drop in exports. To ensure its sustainability, plantations of selected species of nyatoh should be established. This is important in reducing the variability of the group in terms of density, strength, seasoning, machining, woodworking, peeling and gluing properties.