Rank Species | Genus Ceratopetalum Higher classification Ceratopetalum | |
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Similar Ceratopetalum, Doryphora sassafras, Callicoma, Elaeocarpus reticulatus, Syncarpia glomulifera | ||
Ceratopetalum apetalum, the coachwood, scented satinwood or tarwood, is a medium-sized hardwood tree, straight-growing with smooth, fragrant, greyish bark. It is native to eastern Australia in the central and northern coastal rainforests of New South Wales and southern Queensland, where is often found on poorer quality soils in gullies and creeks and often occurs in almost pure stands.
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Taxonomy
George Caley collected the species, which was described by David Don in 1830.
The common name of coachwood comes from its use in the building of coaches.
Description
Coachwood usually grows to a height of 25 metres, with a trunk diameter of 90 cm. however exceptional specimens can reach 40 metres tall and live for centuries. The stem has distinctive horizontal marks, or scars, which often encircle the trunk. Larger trees have short buttresses. The heartwood is attractive with a colour ranging from pale pink to pinkish-brown. The sapwood is not always distinguishable The grain is straight, finely textured and even. On the tangential face the wood is often highly figured. The wood has a characteristic caramel odour.
Uses
Its timber is light and easily worked. It is used for flooring, furniture and cabinetwork, interior fittings, turnery, gun stocks, wood carving, veneers as well as spars and masts for boats. Courtroom number three of The High Court of Australia is beautifully furnished with coachwood timber.
