Lauan Tree: All You Need to Know About Lawaan

April 13, 2024 by Lauro Braganza

Imagine walking through a lush tropical forest, surrounded by magnificent trees, reaching for the skies. As you marvel at these natural wonders, one tree stands out – the lauan tree! This impressive hardwood species has been catching the attention of wood enthusiasts and environmentalists for its unique characteristics and uses. So, what makes this particular tree so special? Get ready to embark on an enlightening journey as we explore everything there is to know about the captivating lauan tree! From its distinct types like red and white lauan to its numerous uses and applications, we’ll uncover why it’s become such a sought-after commodity in today’s market. So grab your virtual hiking boots and get ready to discover all about this fascinating forest gem!

Lauan Tree Description and Characteristics

The lauan tree, scientific name Shorea spp.. or Lawaan in Negros and Panay islands, is a tropical hardwood species that belongs to the Dipterocarpaceae family. Found predominantly in Southeast Asia, these trees are native to countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

There are two main types of lauan: red lauan, also called Tanguile (Shorea negrosensis), and white lauan (Shorea contorta). Their distinction lies primarily in their coloration; red lauan has a reddish-brown hue, while white lauan boasts a lighter shade.

Lauan trees grow impressively tall, reaching heights of up to 200 feet or more with diameters ranging from 3 to 6 feet. These towering giants feature large leaves measuring about 10-12 inches long and 4-5 inches wide.

Known for their durability, these hardwoods have become popular for various woodworking projects due to their ability to resist decay and termites. Regarding demographics, you’ll find higher concentrations of white lauans in the Filipino islands’ eastern parts and red lauans in Mindanao Island’s western regions.

Lauan Uses and Applications

Due to its durability and affordability, Lauan wood is a versatile and popular choice for various applications. The wood’s strength, lightness, and resistance to moisture make it suitable for indoor and outdoor use. One of the most common uses of lauan wood is framing material or plywood sheets in construction projects.

In interior design, Lauan plywood is used extensively to make cabinets, doors, flooring, paneling, and other decorative items such as picture frames. It is also ideal for creating furniture pieces like chairs and tables since it can be easily shaped into various forms without cracking or splitting.

The marine industry also uses lauan extensively because of its high resistance to water damage. It has been used for decades as a primary material in boat building due to its lightweight nature that doesn’t add unnecessary weight when constructing boats.

Moreover, Laun tree bark contains medicinal tannins, which are useful in treating diarrhea, while the crushed leaves are effective insect repellents, especially against mosquitoes.

Whether you’re looking to build a house from scratch, want unique furnishings at home with an affordable budget, or even treat occasional health ailments naturally, consider using Lauan wood products!

Why is Lauan so Expensive

Lauan timber is highly valued for its quality, making it an expensive wood species. One reason why Lauan is so expensive is that it’s in high demand due to its versatility and durability. This hardwood variety has a beautiful grain pattern and unique coloration, which makes it popular among furniture makers.

The tree’s scarcity is another reason for the high price tag on lauan timber. Most lauan trees grow in Asia, specifically in Indonesia and Malaysia. With deforestation practices happening at an alarming rate, obtaining legal permits to harvest these trees can be challenging.

Additionally, transportation costs also contribute to the costliness of lauan timber. Due to its location, shipping wood from Asia to other parts of the world requires additional expenses such as customs duties and taxes.

Certain grades of lauan are harder to come by than others since some varieties have more desirable characteristics than others. For example, red lauan tends to be rarer than white lauan because it’s known for having a richer coloration.

While there may be several factors contributing towards the high cost of Lauan timber – including demand versus availability as well as transportation costs – one thing remains clear: if you’re looking for premium quality hardwood that will last generations but comes with a hefty price tag then look no further than this sought-after Asian species!

Availability and Price

Several factors affect the availability and price of Lauan tree products. One of the most significant is the location where the tree was harvested, as some areas may have stricter regulations on logging or a higher demand for wood than others. Another crucial factor is its quality, which can vary depending on how old the tree was when it was cut down and how well it has been treated.

Market demand also plays a role in determining Lauan’s price and availability. With increasing consumers looking for eco-friendly materials, there has been a growing interest in using alternative resources from more sustainable sources.

While its popularity might be driving up prices, manufacturers continue to use Lauan because of its versatility. The wood’s durability makes it ideal for constructing furniture pieces like tables or chairs that must withstand heavy use over time.

If you plan on purchasing anything made from Lauan trees – red or white – expect to pay a premium if you want high-quality goods. While cheaper options exist, they are usually poorer and don’t last as long as their pricier counterparts.

While Lauan isn’t cheap compared to other woods commonly used in construction or carpentry projects, with proper care, items from this material can last for many years – making them worthwhile investments despite their cost.

Lauan Tree Conservation Status and Challenges

The lauan tree faces several conservation challenges due to its high demand for use in construction and furniture-making. As a result, the species is under threat of becoming endangered.

One of the significant issues facing lauan trees is illegal logging, which involves cutting down trees without authorization from authorities or ignoring regulations governing deforestation. This problem has led to a severe depletion of the tree population in Southeast Asia.

Another challenge this species faces is habitat destruction resulting from human activities such as urbanization and agriculture. These activities lead to massive deforestation and land clearance, which destroys the natural habitats where these trees grow.

Furthermore, climate change poses a significant risk factor for Lauan forests globally. Changes in temperature patterns, rainfall distribution, and weather events can significantly affect these tree populations’ growth rate and survival chances.

To address these challenges effectively, promoting sustainable forestry practices and supporting reforestation efforts through planting more lauan seedlings is necessary. Conservation organizations should work closely with governments and other stakeholders to protect remaining forests from further degradation through increased monitoring initiatives to prevent illegal logging activities.

Final Thoughts

Lauan trees are an important part of the ecology and economy of Southeast Asia. White lauan, red lauan, and other types have been used in various applications for centuries, from construction to furniture making to paper production.

However, it is essential to remember that these trees face many challenges regarding conservation. Deforestation due to logging and land conversion into plantations has led to a decline in their populations. Illegal logging also persists despite efforts by governments and NGOs.

As consumers, we can do our part by being mindful of where our wood products come from. Choosing sustainable sources or alternatives like bamboo can help reduce pressure on endangered species like the lauan tree.

While there is much more that can be said about this fascinating tree species, its importance cannot be overstated. By taking steps towards responsible sourcing and conservation efforts for the Lauan tree, we can ensure that future generations will continue to benefit from its many benefits.