Snakewood

Snakewood is a large bush, or a small tree with numerous spreading branches growing to about 5 m tall and 7 m wide. It often has two or three twisted trunks with dark grey, rough bark. Commonly found in the southern Pilbara, Gascoyne and Murchison, in the drainage areas of the Gascoyne and Ashburton catchments.

Wood description [more info]
Heartwood is a very dark brown with some darker grain and golden flecks, and sapwood is yellow. Timber is very hard and close-textured.

Wood density [more info]
Air-dry density is about 1200 kg/m3.

Shrinkage [more info]
Tangential and radial shrinkage are estimated as about 3.0 and 2.0 per cent respectively.

Workability [more info]
-

Durability [more info]
-

Strength group and properties [more info]
Green and dry strength groups are (S2) and (SD2). The brackets indicate conservative provisional ratings based on the air-dry density.

Uses [more info]
Previous use was mainly as firewood in remote areas. The species is becoming increasingly popular for craft purposes because of its attractive appearance.

Availability [more info]
Limited availability because of the scattered nature of the resource.