Silky Oak (Grevillea robusta)

 

Family - Proteaceae

 

Distribution - Australia (Native to Queensland) Also planted outside of Australia -  in East and South Africa as a shade tree.

 

Other Names: Carvalho sedoso, Gravilea, Greirllea, Grevilea, Grevilia, Grevillea, Helecho, Kawilia, Lacewood, Pino rojo, Roble de pelota, Roble de seda, Roble redoso, Southern silky oak, Tuggan-tuggan.

 

Characteristics: The timber is pinkish or reddish brown turning brown with age. There is sometimes a golden sheen to the wood, but the most prominent feature is the large rays which produce a well-marked silver-grain figure. The wood is straight grained and the texture coarse but even. Silky oak weighs 580 Kg / m3 when dried. The wood works easily, but with a tendency for the large rays to crumble slightly in cutting. It can be nailed, screwed and stained satisfactorily, and a good polish can be obtained.

 

Working Qualities: The timber works fairly easily. Nails and screws well, stains satisfactorily and takes a good polish.

 

Uses: Furniture, cabinets and decorative items, panelling, shop fitting and veneer.