Eastern and southeastern Asian countries are very rich in the genetic resources of valuable hardwood species (VHSPs) (Kalinganire and Pinyopusarerk 2000, Lee and Krishnapillay 2004, Sumantakul 2004, Wang 2004). VHSPs are generally referred to a broad-leaved species or group of broad-leaved species which are characterized by relatively slow-growing but having special wood properties. The wood has good mechanical properties such as great strength and durability, as well as beautiful appearance, for example, nice colour, figure, fine texture and structure. All of these characteristics make the wood suitable for the manufacturing of high-value and high-grade end-products, and elegant and more expensive furniture such as the Chinese classical Ming Dynasty furniture (FAO 2001, 2005). Well known VHSPs are teak, rosewood and mahogany, and many more. An attempt is made in this paper to draw attention to the conservation of genetic resources and promotion of developing plantations of VHSPs.
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