Turpentine
Syncarpia glomulifera
Distribution and Availability
Turpentine occurs along the eastern coast of Australia from Bateman’s Bay, New South Wales, to Cooktown, North Queensland. Best development in the tropics is on elevated sites. The species name is derived from the small amount of oleoresin in the inner bark. Widely available throughout Australia.
General Description
Turpentine is an exceptionally hard and durable Australian native hardwood timber. It is suitable for a wide range of construction and engineering applications. The heartwood ranges from deep red to red-brown, whilst the sapwood is paler. The grain is usually interlocked, with a fine to medium texture, and can often be wavy. The species is free from gum veins.
Physical & Mechanical Properties
Exceptional performance both in and above ground, Turpentine is very durable and resistant to decay from both fungi and insects. Its high silica content makes it resistant to Teredinidae marine borers, as such it is the leading choice for marine pilings and other water-based applications.
Working Properties
Turpentine can be difficult to work due to its high density, which has a tendancy to dull cutting edges. Finishes to a high luster. Turns well.
Durability
Turpentine is extremely durable in above ground applications, where its life expectancy is in excess of 40 years. In-ground life expectancy ranges from 15 to 25 years. The timber of this species is termite-resistant, and untreated sapwood is immune to lyctid borer attack.
Main Uses
Turpentine is the first choice for marine applications, as its high silica content makes it resistant to Teredinidae marine borers. Other applications include wharf and bridge construction, railway sleepers, and mining timbers. Construction applications include general house framing, flooring and decking, lining and cladding.
It is also used in the construction of plywood, laminated beams and bench tops, and for joinery and parquetry. Other applications include boatbuilding and the production of wine casks, mallets, and bearings.
Other Information
Care is needed in seasoning this species because of a tendency to collapse and distort.
