| Name |
SILKY OAK
Grevillea robusta
|
| Distribution |
Queensland, NSW but widespread throughout Australia
as an ornamental tree |
| The
Tree |
A distinctive narrow outline with horizontal branches.
Leaves deaply lobed or 'ferny', and almost white
underneath. Flowers create a dense golden brush
attractive to nectar-seeking birds. Grows quickly
under cultivation as a single tree but does not
perform well in plantations. |
| The
Timber |
Light and easily split. Its most distinctive characteristic
is the large size of the medullary rays which give
the timber a sheen when cut in a certain way. High
lustre and figure. |
| Seasoning |
Requires careful drying and storage |
| Durability |
NOT AVALIABLE |
| Uses |
Cabinetmaking, joinery, panelling, turning. Once
used for casks, butter kegs & milk buckets.
For these purposes the timber had to be specially
cut to prevent leaking through porous wood rays. |
| Availability |
All members of the family to which silky oak belongs
have timber of the same general type; a layman would
have difficulty distinguishing between them. Rainforests
largely exhausted; much of timber sold as silky
oak now comes from north Queensland species Cardwellia
sublimis. Small quantities available from urban
sawmillers & craftshops. |
| Working
Qualities |
Works and finishes satisfactorily. |
