Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Pterocarpus
Species: P. indicus
Distribution:
Korina is native to Southeast Asia, including India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
Tree characteristics:
- Deciduous tree growing up to 40 meters (130 feet) tall.
- Trunk diameter of up to 1.5 meters (5 feet).
- Dark gray to brownish-gray bark with shallow fissures and flaky scales.
- Large, leathery, compound leaves composed of 7-11 oval to elliptic leaflets.
- Leaflets are dark green on the upper side and grayish-green beneath.
- Small, fragrant, white flowers arranged in panicles.
- Produces flat, winged seeds enclosed within a woody pod.
Wood properties:
- Heartwood ranges from light brown to golden or reddish-brown with darker streaks.
- Sapwood is pale yellowish or whitish.
- Medium to fine texture with a straight or slightly wavy grain.
- Hard, strong, and durable wood with excellent working properties.
- It is prized for its attractive grain patterns, including fiddleback, ribbon, and tiger stripe figures.
- Korina has a moderate density and good stability.
- Resistant to termites and decay.
Uses:
Korina is a highly sought-after timber species valued for its exceptional beauty and durability. It is widely used for crafting high-quality furniture, musical instruments, veneers, flooring, cabinetry, and other decorative applications.