The tree’s timber, called merbau or kwela, is a very durable and termite-resistant wood, making it a highly valued material for flooring and other uses. This wood products can also be used to extract a dye. Merbau can contain a “gold” fleck that runs through the grain, considered to be attractive by some. Merbau wood is mainly used for flooring, furniture, paneling, fine joinery, decorative turnery, cabinetmaking, musical instruments, and specialty items.