A salute to Qld Maple

[MAPLEMAN]

Been fortunate enough to mill some very pretty species over the last 20 odd years :)
None however match the breath taking beauty of Queensland Maple and its close relative Maple Silkwood
Here's some pics of my all time favorites :;
Hope you enjoy them as much as i enjoyed milling them...MM:2tsup:

[wolften]

yum yum

[Uncle Al]

Oh Wow, some spectacular bits of wood there. Remember that the pieces shown are only a small part of the tree, if the whole tree has similar figure, it would command a premium price.

Alan...

[TasSculptor]

:oo: :D :2tsup:

[Ironwood]

Very special stuff MM http://d1r5wj36adg1sk.cloudfront.net/images/smilies/actions/2thumbsup.gif

[MAPLEMAN]

This was one of the trees
Massive old paddock grown fellow
Milly the dog standing next to it gives an idea of scale
It was BIG :;...MM

[MAPLEMAN]

These boards were milled from a paddock tree that was figured throughout
It was an absolute cracker
Provenance...Millaa Millaa,Atherton Tableland,Far North Queensland...MM

[mark david]

I totally agree,I have a ​large stack of Queensland maple veneer that was cut many years ago:2tsup:

[MAPLEMAN]

Queensland Maple only occurs at an elevation of 600m or greater in the tropics...it is a highland species whereas Maple Silkwood naturally occurs on the coastal strip and highlands of North Qld,
Silkwood unfortunately often develops 'pocket rot',making for a very low recovery at times
Flindersia is a very rich genus comprising a number of excellent cabinet species
But for mine,Qld Maple is the 'pick of the litter'...MM

[chambezio]

What thoroughly magnificent examples of what is hiding inside those old trees. We are so fortunate that you, Chris, can show us what is hiding.
I look at your pictures and wonder what can be built from the timber to display that natural phenomenon.

[MAPLEMAN]

What thoroughly magnificent examples of what is hiding inside those old trees. We are so fortunate that you, Chris, can show us what is hiding.
I look at your pictures and wonder what can be built from the timber to display that natural phenomenon.Pleasure Rod...absolute privilege to be able to show whats inside these lovely old logs
Mother nature at her very best i reckon
Thanks for your comments mate...MM

[John.G]

Queensland Maple only occurs at an elevation of 600m or greater in the tropics...it is a highland species ...MM

Confused again Chris? Or just know better then CSIRO, Qld DPI, and the Australia Tropical Herbarium put together again?

Flindersia brayleyana

Family

Rutaceae
Botanical Name

Flindersia brayleyana F.Muell.
Mueller, F.J.H. von (1865) Fragmenta Phytographiae Australiae 5: 143. Type: Ad flumen Herberti. J. Dallachy..
Synonyms

Flindersia chatawaiana F.M.Bailey, Queensland Agricultural Journal 5(4): 387(1899), Type: Cardwell to Herberton, J.F. Bailey.
Common name

Maple, Queensland; Silkwood; Red Beech; Queensland Maple; Maple; Maple Silkwood
Stem

Bark frequently marked with vertical lines or fissures containing lenticels.
Leaves

Leaflet blades about 8-18.5 x 3.3-7.5 cm. Oil dots (http://keys.trin.org.au/key-server/data/0e0f0504-0103-430d-8004-060d07080d04/media/Html/taxon/glossary.htm#Oil dots) numerous and conspicuous, almost touching one another. Midrib (http://keys.trin.org.au/key-server/data/0e0f0504-0103-430d-8004-060d07080d04/media/Html/taxon/glossary.htm#Midrib) slightly raised on the upper surface.
Flowers

Sepals (http://keys.trin.org.au/key-server/data/0e0f0504-0103-430d-8004-060d07080d04/media/Html/taxon/glossary.htm#Sepals) ovate (http://keys.trin.org.au/key-server/data/0e0f0504-0103-430d-8004-060d07080d04/media/Html/taxon/glossary.htm#Ovate)-triangular, about 0.5 mm long. Petals (http://keys.trin.org.au/key-server/data/0e0f0504-0103-430d-8004-060d07080d04/media/Html/taxon/glossary.htm#Petals) oblong (http://keys.trin.org.au/key-server/data/0e0f0504-0103-430d-8004-060d07080d04/media/Html/taxon/glossary.htm#Oblong)-elliptic (http://keys.trin.org.au/key-server/data/0e0f0504-0103-430d-8004-060d07080d04/media/Html/taxon/glossary.htm#Elliptic) to elliptic (http://keys.trin.org.au/key-server/data/0e0f0504-0103-430d-8004-060d07080d04/media/Html/taxon/glossary.htm#Elliptic), about 2.5-3.5 mm long. Hairs on petals (http://keys.trin.org.au/key-server/data/0e0f0504-0103-430d-8004-060d07080d04/media/Html/taxon/glossary.htm#Petals) simple, rarely absent. Glandular disk bright orange, flounced (http://keys.trin.org.au/key-server/data/0e0f0504-0103-430d-8004-060d07080d04/media/Html/taxon/glossary.htm#Flounced). Ovary (http://keys.trin.org.au/key-server/data/0e0f0504-0103-430d-8004-060d07080d04/media/Html/taxon/glossary.htm#Ovary) clothed with appressed (http://keys.trin.org.au/key-server/data/0e0f0504-0103-430d-8004-060d07080d04/media/Html/taxon/glossary.htm#Appressed), simple hairs. Ovules 1 on each side of the placenta (http://keys.trin.org.au/key-server/data/0e0f0504-0103-430d-8004-060d07080d04/media/Html/taxon/glossary.htm#Placenta).
Fruit

Capsules about 6-10 cm long, outer surface almost smooth or shallowly sculptured. Seeds winged at both ends, radicle (http://keys.trin.org.au/key-server/data/0e0f0504-0103-430d-8004-060d07080d04/media/Html/taxon/glossary.htm#Radicle) terminal (http://keys.trin.org.au/key-server/data/0e0f0504-0103-430d-8004-060d07080d04/media/Html/taxon/glossary.htm#Terminal). Remains of the fruit (http://keys.trin.org.au/key-server/data/0e0f0504-0103-430d-8004-060d07080d04/media/Html/taxon/glossary.htm#Fruit)frequently present under large trees.
Seedlings

Cotyledons (http://keys.trin.org.au/key-server/data/0e0f0504-0103-430d-8004-060d07080d04/media/Html/taxon/glossary.htm#Cotyledons) oblong (http://keys.trin.org.au/key-server/data/0e0f0504-0103-430d-8004-060d07080d04/media/Html/taxon/glossary.htm#Oblong), about 4-6 x 2 cm. Oil dots (http://keys.trin.org.au/key-server/data/0e0f0504-0103-430d-8004-060d07080d04/media/Html/taxon/glossary.htm#Oil dots) clearly visible with a lens. First pair of leaves simple, elliptic (http://keys.trin.org.au/key-server/data/0e0f0504-0103-430d-8004-060d07080d04/media/Html/taxon/glossary.htm#Elliptic), then usually at least one trifoliolate (http://keys.trin.org.au/key-server/data/0e0f0504-0103-430d-8004-060d07080d04/media/Html/taxon/glossary.htm#Trifoliolate) leaf before the tenth leaf stage. At the tenth leaf stage: leaflet blades elliptic (http://keys.trin.org.au/key-server/data/0e0f0504-0103-430d-8004-060d07080d04/media/Html/taxon/glossary.htm#Elliptic), glabrous (http://keys.trin.org.au/key-server/data/0e0f0504-0103-430d-8004-060d07080d04/media/Html/taxon/glossary.htm#Glabrous), veins about 7-10 each side of the midrib (http://keys.trin.org.au/key-server/data/0e0f0504-0103-430d-8004-060d07080d04/media/Html/taxon/glossary.htm#Midrib); oil dots (http://keys.trin.org.au/key-server/data/0e0f0504-0103-430d-8004-060d07080d04/media/Html/taxon/glossary.htm#Oil dots) visible to the naked eye; stalk of the middle leaflet longer than those of the lateral leaflets (http://keys.trin.org.au/key-server/data/0e0f0504-0103-430d-8004-060d07080d04/media/Html/taxon/glossary.htm#Leaflets).
Distribution and Ecology

Endemic (http://keys.trin.org.au/key-server/data/0e0f0504-0103-430d-8004-060d07080d04/media/Html/taxon/glossary.htm#Endemic) to Queensland, occurs in NEQ (http://keys.trin.org.au/key-server/data/0e0f0504-0103-430d-8004-060d07080d04/media/Html/taxon/glossary.htm#NEQ), restricted to the area between the Windsor Tableland and Mt Spec near Townsville. Altitudinal range from near sea level to 1150 m. Grows in well developed rain forest on a variety of sites but reaches its best development in upland and mountain rain forest.
Natural History

This species produces a very good quality and very decorative cabinet timber. Because of World Heritage listing of North Queensland rainforest this timber is now in very short supply. Attempts to grow this tree in plantations generally end in failure. Although young plantations grow rapidly, the architecture of large trees and crown shyness means that it is not possible to economically grow large trees which will produce timber of cabinet quality.
During the Second World War (1939-1945) the timber of this species contributed significantly to the war effort as it was sought for use in aircraft. It was used to manufacture propellers and for plywood used in the Mosquito bomber aircraft. The timber was also used in rifle stocks and today it is also used for beautiful decorated stocks on sporting rifles and shotguns.
Formerly used in the manufacture of cigar boxes, window frames, barrels (cooperage). Swain (1928).
A useful shady addition to parkland or as a street tree. Masses of white flowers are followed by pendulous (http://keys.trin.org.au/key-server/data/0e0f0504-0103-430d-8004-060d07080d04/media/Html/taxon/glossary.htm#Pendulous) fruits that are star-like when open.
The timber of this species can cause dermatitis. (http://bodd.web.cf.ac.uk/BotDermFolder/BotDermF/F LIN.html)
Wood specific gravity 0.57 Cause et al. (1989).
NEQ

X
Tree

X
RFK Code

55

[MAPLEMAN]

Very special stuff MM http://d1r5wj36adg1sk.cloudfront.net/images/smilies/actions/2thumbsup.gifYour right Brad..it is very special stuff
Glad you enjoyed them...MM

[MAPLEMAN]

Here's a few more pics
Absolutely love this stuff...MM

[Stewie D]

I've slogged my way through all the photos you have posted and agree, it is a very nice looking timber. Any cabinet or furniture made from that would look pretty special.
Thanks for posting.

Stewie

[MAPLEMAN]

Thanks for posting.

StewieYour welcome Stewie...MM

[Emit]

I was at a timber shop yesterday and saw "birdseye" Queensland maple. That's the best way I can describe it, looked amazing. Might have to go for a little drive up north queensland and see whats kicking around.

[MAPLEMAN]

I was at a timber shop yesterday and saw "birdseye" Queensland maple. That's the best way I can describe it, looked amazing. Might have to go for a little drive up north queensland and see whats kicking around.Doesn't get better than this...this slab was 1200mm wide x 3000mm long and solid birds-eye...MM

[MAPLEMAN]

Here's a few more examples of Birds eye Queensland Maple...MM

[mark david]

This is a sample of some of the Veneer I acquired a year or so ago.
Would be interested in any information regarding the commercial processing of this timber for veneer,
The veneer along with many other species was stored in large particle board boxes that were inhabited by rats for the last 10 years.
I suspect the veneer is quite old and has been through at least 2 or 3 hands before I got it.It appears to have come from some long since demised cabinet making business in the eastern states.

It is without doubt a beautiful timber with lovely figuring and look forward to making something nice with it if I ever get round to it.

[MAPLEMAN]

This is a sample of some of the Veneer I acquired a year or so ago.
Would be interested in any information regarding the commercial processing of this timber for veneer,
The veneer along with many other species was stored in large particle board boxes that were inhabited by rats for the last 10 years.
I suspect the veneer is quite old and has been through at least 2 or 3 hands before I got it.It appears to have come from some long since demised cabinet making business in the eastern states.

It is without doubt a beautiful timber with lovely figuring and look forward to making something nice with it if I ever get round to it.Lovely stuff too David
Quite a bit of it has been planted in the 'Highlands' of the Sunshine Coast too
Maleny and Kenilworth are but 2 places i have seen it growing...and doing quite well i might add
Sure your veneer will make for some beautiful furniture mate...MM:2tsup:

[Emit]

Love the birdseye stuff MapleMan. The Mrs said it was a little bit busy on the eye for a table, which is what we saw it on. However, She did say it'd be nice on guitars. Maybe thats her way of giving me permission to buy more timber:dunno::U