Chloroxylon

Chloroxylon swietenia (Ceylon Satinwood, East Indian Satinwood or Buruta (බුරුත in Sinhala)) is a tropical hardwood, the sole species in the genus Chloroxylon (from the Greek χλωρὸν ξύλον, "green wood"). It is native to southern India and Sri Lanka.

Ceylon Satinwood is a medium-sized deciduous tree, growing to 15-20 m tall, with thick, fissured, slightly corky bark and pinnate leaves. The flowers are small, creamy-white, produced in panicles; the fruit is an oblong three-segmented capsule 2.5-4.5 cm long, containing 1-4 seeds in each segment.

Uses

The wood produced by the tree is often a golden colour with a reflective sheen. It is used for small luxury items and as a veneer in wooden furniture. It is one of the best-known satinwoods.

References

• Asian Regional Workshop (Conservation & Sustainable Management of Trees, Viet Nam, August 1996) (1998). Chloroxylon swietenia. 2006. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. www.iucnredlist.org. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Listed as Vulnerable (VU A1c v2.3)

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