Stringybark, Silvertop

Silvertop stringybark - named for the grey, fibrous bark extending to the species' upper limbs, which by contrast are whitish and smooth - can attain heights of up to 40 metres. It occurs natively on the coastal fall of tablelands, mainly in northern New South Wales.

The heartwood of this species is a pale brown colour, sometimes with pinkish hues. Its sapwood, up to 50 millimetres in width, is visually indistinct from the true wood. The grain of silvertop stringybark is typically close and straight, with a medium and even texture, relatively free of gum veins.

Silvertop stringybark is a hard timber (rated 2 on a 6-class scale) in relation to both indentation and working with hand tools. It is readily worked by machine, and amenable to the use of standard fittings and fastenings.

In terms of durability, silvertop stringybark is rated as a class 3 hardwood, with an above ground life expectancy of between seven and 15 years, and an in ground life expectancy of between five and 15 years. Silvertop stringybark is not termite-resistant. Sapwood of the species is not susceptible to lyctid borer (powder post beetle) attack, and is readily impregnated with commercially available preservatives.

Applications of silvertop stringybark range from preservative-treated posts, poles, and sleepers to building framework, decking and flooring. It readily accepts paint, stains and polish. Because it glues well with phenolics, Silvertop Stringybark has potential for application in structural plywood and glue-laminated members.