An endangered species logged from rainforests in Indonesia and Malaysia, jelutong is imported in the U.S. as pencils and picture frames. The high value of this wood in Malaysia has caused it to be nearly eradicated from the wild.

In the 1930s, jelutong was tapped for latex for chewing gum. Synthetic alternatives reduced its value for this use.

Other names: jelutong bukit, jelutong paya.

Origin: Lives in rainforests in areas we call Malaysia, Borneo, and Sumatra.

The Tree: The Tree: May reach a height of 200 ft, with straight and cylindrical boles free from buttresses to lengths of 90 ft; trunk diameters up to 8 ft.

Appearance: Straight grained with fine, even texture. Creamy-white sapwood and heartwood, maturing to a pale straw-yellow.

Uses: Used extensively for the manufacture of pencils and for carving and sculpture due to its softness. Also used for picture frames, model making, cabinets, patterns, dowels, brush handles, wooden shoes, battery separators, toys, and drawing boards. Also used for interior joinery and corestock for doors and plywood.

For more on jelutong, see World Conservation Monitoring Center, http://www.wcmc.org.uk/trees/Species%20in%20trade/dye_cos.htm