The Standard Malaysian Name for the timber of Neobalanocarpus heimii (Dipterocarpaceae). Vernacular names applied include penak (Peninsular Malaysia). The name chengal is so popular, that many other species have been given vernacular names bearing the name chengal. Neobalanocarpus is a monotypic genus. The sapwood is light yellow and sharply defined from the heartwood, which is light yellow-brown with a distinct green tinge, darkening on exposure to dark purple-brown or rust-red.
Also known as Chengal (Brunei); and Chan Ta Khien, Chi-ngamat, Takian Chan and Takian Chantamaeo (Thailand).
The timber is suitable for all forms of heavy construction, railway sleepers, heavy duty furniture, laboratory benches, bridges, marine construction, boat building, telegraphic and power transmission posts and cross arms, piling, mallets, flooring (heavy traffic), decking, vehicle bodies (framework and floor boards), fender supports, cooling towers (structural members), staircase (balusters, carriages, handrails, newels, risers, stringers, treads, bullnoses, round ends and winders), columns (heavy duty), door and window frames and sills, tool handles (impact), carving works and other uses where strength and durability are required.
