Intsia bijuga

Kwila is a medium to large tree, widespread throughout the South Pacific. It can be found throughout the Solomon Islands mainly in coastal forests although it is not of major occurrence. Small sawn parcels are available in a full range of sizes

Kwila is a high quality, strong, durable hardwood. It has been a popular timber in Europe for many years where it finds a specialised use in velodrome / cycling tracks. It has also become popular in Australia and New Zealand where it is in demand for high quality applications including exterior joinery. It is a good substitute for teak (Tectona grandis) and is closely related to the well known doussié (Afzelia spp.) of West Africa.

Pterocarpus indicus

Rosewood is a major commercial species of the Solomon Islands. Small to medium sized trees found throughout the lowland forests of the South West Pacific region, it attains large commercial proportions in the Solomon Islands.

In the South Pacific, the rosewood (narra) can vary in colour from golden-brown through blood-red. In fact the trees look exactly the same, and it is not until it is felled that you know if it is red or yellow. The red one is sometimes referred to as Solomons Padauk (pterocarpus dalbergiodes).

One of the finest furniture and cabinet woods on world markets due to its excellent working and finishing properties as well as its low shrinkage and stability in-service.

Xanthostemon melanoxylon

The heartwood of this tree, commonly known locally as Tubi, is extremely hard, durable and very dark, and has been compared with ebony. It is of great traditional importance, being used for walking sticks and, particularly, carved posts used to decorate buildings.

This endemic species has a limited distribution and is, therefore, rare. A conservation strategy for Tubi was finalised recently and the species has now acquired some level of legal protection.

Vitex cofassus

Vitex is a major commercial species of the Solomon Islands. A medium sized to large tree found throughout the South West Pacific region but of more common occurrence in the North Solomons and the Solomon Islands.

Vitex produces a beautiful olive-grey wood with an attractive banded or striped pattern on quarter-sawn faces. Often referred to as New Guinea teak, having similar properties and uses to that of teak (Tectona grandis), and belonging to the same family of Verbenaceae.