Taun or Akwa

Taun comprises several members of thePometiaspecies occurring in low-lying coastal and riverine areas of Sri Lanka and South-East Asia, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Samoa. Although the species can attain heights of up to 25 metres, an irregular bole and elliptical cross-section results in relatively short log lengths.

Taun heartwood varies in colour from pink to reddish-brown, darkening with age. Sapwood is a pale, pinkish buff, not always visually distinct from the true wood. The grain of taun timber is straight, with occasional interlocking, and of moderately coarse texture.    

Taun is a moderately durable hardwood, with an above ground life expectancy of between 15 and 40 years. Its in-ground life expectancy is considerably shorter, at between five and 15 years. Taun sapwood is susceptible to lyctid borer attack and is very difficult to impregnate with preservative. Taun is not termite-resistant.

Taun or Akwa is a hardwood native to south-west Pacific region and is major commercial timber species of solomon islands. The colour of Akwa ranges from pale pinkish-brown to reddish-brown. Akwa can be kiln dried satisfactorily but, air drying is recommended to alleviate degrade.Grain is usually straight but sometimes wavy and texture is medium, slightly uneven and semi-lustrous. It stains uniformly to a colour of choice and has got good moulding and finishing properties. Akwa nails well but, pre-drilling advisable to prevent splitting of the board ends.