This handbook was prepared by Dr. J. H. Kraemer and illustrated by Mr. L. R. Wharten, at the request of the Bureau of Yards and Docks, U.S. Navy. It is intended for the use of personnel engaged in the production of wood construction material in the South China Sea region. The region of the South China Sea extends from 10 S. Lat. to 26 N. Lat. It is a region of luxuriant vegetation but there are spots of severe human overpopulation. Much work has been done on the trees of this region, both botanically and from the standpoint of their management and utilization. This is particularly true in Java, British Borneo, and the Malay States. The attempt was made to include trees of greatest importance, that is, those which occur at the lower elevation near the beaches and along water courses, those which produce wood with desirable characteristics for construction purposes, and those which are widely distributed within the region. Because of the limitations of space, only a small proportion of the trees of the region are described. However the trees to be represented here have been carefully selected with three considerations in mind: 1. Wide distribution throughout the region. 2. Occurrence in locations readily accessible. 3. Production of wood suitable for the wide variety construction needs. The families and genera are arranged following the Engler and Prantl sequence. A brief statement of family characteristics is given for each. Genera descriptions as such are omitted. Species descriptions are brief but include all the available useful information. Local and scientific names are included in the descriptions. The illustrations included in the descriptions include leaves, flowers, and fruit.