[Assam] Modaar Tree Does have Value!

[Chan Mahanta]

Modaar lumber is  considered 'elaagi kaath' or "aawkathi" (of little 
use), because it is very soft. When it dies the center of the tree or 
the branches become almost hollow. Even as a firewood it is not 
considered desirable, because it produces much smoke when burning, 
possibly due to trapped moisture in the highly porous wood. When dry 
it is also fairly light in weight.

Since nobody built 'dhwl's , Bihu or otherwise, in the surroundings 
we grew up, we never heard of its usefulness for 'dhwl' making.  Good 
to know it has some use.

I hope it is not being mistaken for 'ximolu kaath', which too is soft 
and light in weight. But it is highly sought after for match-stick 
making and also for packing-box plywood making. The large diameter 
and tall, branchless trunk produces good veneer for plywood. 
Similarly for another large diameter and very tall 'elaagi kaath' 
"sotiyona" , which too is soft, light weight and sought after for 
plywood making and for packing-crate making.






At 11:10 AM -0700 4/15/08, Dilip/Dil Deka wrote:
>There is an interesting piece of information in the following 
>report. I always thought Modaar tree was of little value. The report 
>says Modaar wood is used to make Bihu Dhol and there is a shortage 
>of Modaar wood.
>   The good news is they are planting new Modaar trees to get the 
>wood for Dhols in the future.
>   Is there an expert here who can tell us why Modaar wood is so 
>suited for Bihu Dhol? What wood is used for bigger Dhols?
>   Dilip
>   
>
>_______________________________________________
>assam mailing list
>assam at assamnet.org
>http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org