Tree to small to moderate size. The best development reaches in Sri Lanka. The height of the trunk is about 3 m, the average diameter is 0.3 m or more.
Sapwood and kernel differ slightly. The wood is pale yellow or golden yellow, the inner parts are somewhat darker than the outer ones. Wood is characterized by satin gloss (hence the name) and a striped pattern, sometimes intermittent or speckled. Gum rings can produce thin dark veins on longitudinal cuts. The wood is slightly tangled and svilevataya , with a fine and uniform texture and density in the dry state of about 900 kg / m 3 .
The wood is extremely dense, hard and heavy, fragrant, yellow, with a beautiful sheen, resistant to fungi and insects , much better than tick in terms of mechanical properties. Due to the high hardness of this wood is difficult to handle with mechanical tools or on the machine. It greatly blunts the cutting edges. However, wood lends itself well to turning, it allows to obtain excellent durable polishing.
Used in the technique for the manufacture of some parts, as well as for the production of carved and inlaid furniture, parquet, panels, decorative veneer veneer, etc.
Also under the same name is found in the trade of one East Indian tree Swietema Chloroxylon , a genus of mahogany , which is similar in design.
