Timber ID required

**Big Shed** · 20th April 2013, 04:38 PM

On our last trip to the Vic High Country we came across an unusual tree that had come down and was smashed in to a lot of smaller pieces.

We stopped as we hadn't seen timber this light in colour before and the branches and trunk had broken in about 450-600mm lengths.

Up closer inspection we noticed that not only was this very light in colour, almost white, but it was very light in weight as well.

Closest I can get to it is that it is like balsawood.

Howver this wood was layered like plywood, only the layers are curved around the diameter of the trunk/branch and they are fairly easily separated by hand and only about 4-6mm thick.

Anyway we filled up the back of the car for that nights' campfire but I took a small bit home (no it wasn't in a National Park

)

Here are some pics.

**dai sensei** · 20th April 2013, 04:46 PM

I have seen branches from dead trees, ones that have been killed, that look like that.

**Barterbuilt** · 20th April 2013, 05:21 PM

Sounds like paulownia.

**artme** · 20th April 2013, 05:47 PM

Doubt there would be Paulownia growing up there.

I'd say the layering is associated with the growth rings.

**DJ’s Timber** · 20th April 2013, 06:29 PM

Looks very much like one of the Peppermints to me and two of my following tree loppers agree with me, quite possibly eucalyptus radiata or dives. Your description of shattering and bark matches.

**Bedford** · 20th April 2013, 07:39 PM

Maybe Sycamore, or Sugar Maple I think it's known as.

**Big Shed** · 20th April 2013, 08:16 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions, but most of the suggested timbers have densities way heavier than what this stuff is.

Like I said it is like Balsawood and maybe even lighter.

Balsawood has a dry density of 170, eg Peppermint Gum is about 870.

Not sure what Paulownia's density is, did a quick search and couldn't find it.

Sycamore is around the 600.

**DJ’s Timber** · 20th April 2013, 08:19 PM

Fred, peppermint quite often gets rot in it and it ends up being light as a feather and the location matches as well

**Big Shed** · 20th April 2013, 08:26 PM

Originally Posted by DJ's Timber

Fred, peppermint quite often gets rot in it and it ends up being light as a feather and the location matches as well

Is that dry rot DJ?

There does not appear to be any rot, the wood is as clean as a whistle and very light in colour, almost white.

**DJ’s Timber** · 20th April 2013, 08:31 PM

Typically yes Fred, been a while since I've seen some, as I haven't been doing much tree lopping work lately but if I see some I'll take some pics

**Barterbuilt** · 21st April 2013, 09:53 AM

Paulownia 260 - 290
Does grow down there.
Commercial operation on the Mornington Peninsula for 20 years
I am no expert though.

Novice ( in training )

**Bedford** · 21st April 2013, 10:28 AM

Pittosporum? it is very white, light, and brittle when dry.

**whitewood** · 21st April 2013, 04:03 PM

I have been on holidays and didn't check the forum until today. From the photos it doesn't appear to be Paulownia. The centre of the log does not have the hollow section found in Paulownia. Nor does Paulownia break down in layers. Don't know what it is the only timber I know that is similar to Paulownia is WRC. Whitewood

**dai sensei** · 21st April 2013, 09:25 PM

The deadwood I described is as light as balsa, almost like the tree retracts all the sap etc in an attempt to survive, it is also brittle and has tendency to split along the growth rings.

Thread: Timber ID required

Thread Tools

Search Thread