The heartwood is red-brown to orange-brown with darker brown streaks. The 80-100 mm thick, light coloured sapwood merges into a light orange-yellow transitional zone which can be quite thick between the heartwood and the sapwood. Sanded heartwood has a color similar to Teak which when finished, with a clear water based polyurethane finish, highlights the rich qualities of the wood and produces a wood that resembles American black cherry in color, grain, and texture. A very attractive wood. Light sanding produces a very smooth surface. The surface is slightly lustrous and occasionally oily. One of the best woods for exterior use. Excellent weathering properties. Freshly cut, Niov has a peppery smell. This is an excellent substitute for American Black Cherry.