Yellowwood (Podocarpus spp)

 

Family - Podocarpaceae

 

Distribution - South Africa, the - genuine - genus ( latifolius ) coming mainly from the eastern cape and Knysna forests.

 

Other Names: Podocarpus latifolius / falcatus. 

 

Characteristics: The wood is a light yellowish-brown with little distinction between sapwood and heartwood. It is straight grained and of uniform texture, is non-reonous and without odour. It weighs about 510 Kg / m3 when dried. Yellowwood is considered non-durable.

 

Working Qualities: It works well with both hand and machine tools. It turns, planes and moulds to a good finish, glues satisfactorily and takes varnish, polish and paint well. It holds screws well, but tends to split in nailing.

 

Uses: Used historically in this country for Cape Dutch style furniture (along with Stinkwood ), and for construction use ie beams and flooring. Also for interior joinery and fittings.