Heartwood is a pink or light reddish brown. Narrow sapwood is paler, and is ambiguously demarcated by a zone of intermediate coloration. Can have a wavy or curly grain which has a very satiny appearance. Much more uncommon, Tasmanian Myrtle can also have dark black streaks in the wood, sometimes referred to as “tiger myrtle.”
Diffuse-porous (sometimes semi-ring-porous); very small pores in no specific arrangement; solitary and commonly in radial multiples of 2-4; tyloses occasionally present; growth rings distinct; rays not visible without lens; parenchyma absent.
Tasmanian Myrtle generally produces excellent results with both hand and machine tools; however, areas of figured wood with abnormal grain can pose difficulties in machining. Can be difficult to air-dry heartwood material without defects. Responds very well to steam bending. Turns superbly. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Tasmanian Myrtle has been reported to cause mucous membrane irritation. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.
Tasmanian Myrtle is commonly available in Australia in the form of lumber and turning blanks. It is infrequently exported to the United States, expect prices to be in the mid to high range depending on the amount of figure in the wood.
Tasmanian Myrtle is not closely related to the lumber that’s considered Myrtle in the United States (Umbellularia californica)—technically, neither species is considered a true myrtle, which is restricted to the Myrtus genus. Tasmanian Myrtle is actually closer in relation to beech (Fagus genus), and is sometimes referred to as Myrtle Beech or Silver Beech.
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