Jarrah is among the world’s most valuable hardwood timber trees. The name is a corruption of the Australian Aboriginal word jarrale. Jarrahs are tall, straight trees that generally grow to about 100 feet (30 meters) in height. They are from 3 to 12 feet (1 to 1.8 meters) in diameter and have a reddish-gray, fibrous bark. Their leaves are fairly bright green, broad, and pointed, with thickened edges. Jarrahs grow only in an area 18 to 30 miles (30 to 50 kilometers) wide in the Darling Range area of Western Australia. Their timber is used for foundations, railroad ties, furniture, and flooring. Jarrah wood is easily worked and resistant to termites. See also Eucalyptus.
