12 IRON WOOD 
which grows in an open forest on laterite far from streams 
is superior tothat near rivers. Itis easily found in mixed 
forests but it is difficult to extract. The rate of growth 
is fast, about one ring on acm. radius. 
Mai Deng has been chiefly used in Siam for bridge 
timber. It is good for tool handles, boat building, slee- 
pers, Telegraph poles and Railway pegs. With the excep- 
tion of Takien, Mai Deng is easier to saw and can easier 
be worked than other hardwoods as Maka, Pradoo, Teng, 
Rang. [Uf once well seasoned, which is however a slow pro- 
cess, it may last almost ’n indefinite period. An inexpe- 
rienced eye may mistake Mai Deng from Mai Sahk and 
Mai Maka on first sight. In Bangkok mills very little is 
sawn. Formerly there used fis te a large export of Mai 
Deng from Bangkok. Last year some Mai Deng was rafted 
to Bangkok after having been adzed to sizes required. 
Rafting Mai Deng (with bamboos) is expensive, therefore 
the price at Bangkok is high. Much Mai Deng can be 
found in the Korat provinces. 
Calyx five toothed. Corollets one diadelphous 
