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Blunting Effect Boring Certified Source Comments Common Names Common Uses Countries of Distribution Cutting Resistance Distribution Overview Drying Defects Ease of Drying Environmental Profile Family Name Gluing Grain Heartwood Color Kiln Drying Rate Kiln Schedules Light-Induced Color Change Luster Mortising Moulding Movement in Service Nailing Natural Durability Natural Growth Defects Numerical Data Odor Painting Planing Polishing Product Sources References Regions of Distribution Resistance to Impregnation Response to Hand Tools Sanding Sapwood Color Scientific Name Screwing Staining Steam Bending Strength Properties Synonyms Texture Toxicity Trade Name Tree Identification Tree Size Turning Varnishing Veneering Qualities		Scientific Name Afzelia africana Trade Name Afzelia Family Name Leguminosae Synonyms Afrafzelia africana Common Names Adja, Adya, Afzelia, Ahanta, Aja, Akpalata, Akpela, Aligna, Alinyan, Apa, Appa, Arachi, Ariyan, Ayan, Azza, Baa, Bachi, Balawao-kudu, Balawo-kudu, Beyo, Bilinga, Bodjembo, Bolengo, Bolengu, Counter wood, Douissie, Doussie, Fok, Gayo, Gayohi, Gbende, Gbleteo, Gongo, Hol, Kakala, Kapalaga, Kawo, Kinkalaga, Kontah, Kpa-kpa, Kpalga, Kpaliga, Kpendei, Kpendi-deli, Kpendi-guli, Kpendi-kpoli, Kuanguli, Kukpalik, Lengko, Lengue, Lingue, Liwamba, M'banga, Mahogany bean, Mahogany bean tree, Mbokora, Mboro, Meli, Mkola, Mussacosa, N'kokongo, Nenko, Ngboro, Olombi, Opapao, Opapeh, Pai, Papao, Papao-baum, Papawe, Papoa, Pau contra, Pau konta, Pauconta, Pepe, Rhodesian mahogany, Upa, Uvala, Wokpa, Yada, Yoruba bilinga Regions of Distribution Africa Countries of Distribution  [VIEW MAP] Angola, Benin, Central African Republic, Congo, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zaire Common Uses Agricultural implements, Beams, Boat building (general), Boat building, Boat building: framing, Boxes and crates, Bridge construction, Building construction, Building materials, Cabin construction, Cabinetmaking, Canoes, Carvings, Chairs, Chemical containers, Chests, Concealed parts (Furniture), Concrete formwork, Construction, Cooperages, Decks, Decorative plywood, Desks, Dining-room furniture, Domestic flooring, Door, Dowell pins, Dowells, Drawer sides, Excelsior, Exterior trim & siding, Exterior uses, Factory construction, Fine furniture, Floor lamps, Flooring, Flooring: industrial heavy traffic, Form work, Foundation posts, Framing, Fuelwood, Furniture , Furniture components, Furniture squares or stock, Furniture, Hatracks, Heavy construction, Interior construction, Interior trim, Joinery (external): ground contact, Joinery, Joists, Kitchen cabinets, Lifeboats, Light construction, Marine construction, Millwork, Mine timbers, Musical instruments, Musical instruments: percussion, Paneling, Particleboard, Piling, Plywood, Poles, Posts, Railroad ties, Tables, Tool handles, Turnery, Vats, Vehicle parts, Veneer: decorative, Wharf construction Environmental Profile Abundant/Secure Globally secure Data source is World Conservation Monitoring Center Distribution Overview This widespread species occurs in Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Togo, Uganda and Zaire. In Ghana, the species is usually found in dry forest, especially in the forest-savanna borders. It tends to be scattered in areas with rocky soils. It can also be found in dense evergreen forests, especially from Senegal to Sudan, but by also be present in the east African coastal forests. Heartwood Color Brown Red Yellow Orange Purple Tan Reddish brown Pale brown Yellow to golden-yellow to orange Brown Turn reddish brown upon exposure Light brown Distinct in color from sapwood Creamy tan Sapwood Color White Yellow White to yellow Well defined Whitish Pale straw Clearly differentiated from the heartwood Averages about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) in width Grain Interlocked Figure Distinct (figure) Straight Other (figure) Even Irregular Weak (figure) Interlocked Distinct and very fine figure Straight Other figure Distinct figure Weak figure Straight to interlocked Irregular Texture Coarse Medium Even or uniform Uniform Coarse Medium coarse to coarse Moderately coarse Even textured Luster Low Medium Dull Lustrous Medium Natural Growth Defects Yellowish deposits in vessels Whitish deposits in vessels Gum and mineral deposits Natural Durability Very durable Resistant to termites Resistant to marine borers Susceptible to insect attack Resistant to powder post beetles Non-resistant to powder post beetles Very durable Resistant to attack from termites (Isoptera) Resistant to attack from marine borers Resistant to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles Sapwood susceptible to attack by powder post beetles Sapwood is susceptible to wood staining fungal attack Moderately resistant to attack by termites Susceptible to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles Odor No specific smell or taste Light-Induced Color Change Darker Toxicity Some toxic effects Unspecified toxicity Respiratory effects Sawdust can cause irritation in some individuals Dermatitic effects Kiln Schedules Dry at a slow speed Kiln Drying Rate (in days) is rather slow Drying Defects Checking Distortion Extension of Existing Shakes Ring Shakes Slight surface checking Slight checking and cracking Shakes may become extended No twisting or warping No end splitting Distortion (twist/warp) is likely Ease of Drying Fairly Easy Slowly Reconditioning Treatement Little degrade Moderately Difficult to Difficult Easy Radial and tangential shrinkage from 1-2% Moderate Dries slowly with little degrade Kiln Drying Rate Naturally dries slowly Very slow Drying rate is slow Very slow (>28 days for boards < 32 mm, to >84 days for boards >= 63 mm) Tree Identification Bole/stem form is buttressed Bole/stem form is unknown Bole/stem form is straight Bole/stem form is not buttressed Bole/stem form is misshapen Tree Size Tree height is 10-20 m Tree height is 30-40 m Sapwood width is 5-10 cm Sapwood width is 0-5 cm Bole length is 10-20 m Tree height is 20-30 m Bole length is 0-10 m Product Sources Exported on a regular basis. Certified Source Certified Source Comments General finishing qualities are rated as good The wood contains a yellow dye-stuff (afzelin) which can stain textile materials under moist conditions Blunting Effect Moderate High to severe Blunting effect on machining is moderate Blunting effect on sawing dry wood is severe Blunting effect on machining is fairly severe Medium effect Blunting effect on sawing green wood is severe Blunting effect on machining is severe Boring Fairly easy to very easy Easy Cutting Resistance Easy to saw Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult to saw Moderate to saw Cutting Resistance with dry wood is easy Cutting Resistance with dry wood is difficult Difficult to saw Cutting Resistance with dry wood is moderate Cutting edges are dulled rapidly Gluing Fairly Easy to Very Easy Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult Easy to glue Difficult to glue Mortising Fairly Easy to Very Easy Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult Easy to mortise Difficult to mortise Moulding Fairly Easy to Very Easy Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult Easy to mould Movement in Service Excellent Stability - Small Movement Fair to Good Stability - Medium Movement Small Stable Small movement in use Nailing Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult Pre-Boring Recommended Fair to Good Results Very Good to Excellent Results Difficult to nail Holds nails well Possible if prebored Pre-boring recommended Planing Fairly Easy to Very Easy Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult Very Good to Excellent Results Fair to Good Results Easy to plane Difficult to plane Planes well, to a good finish Reduced cutting angle of 15 degrees to prevent torn grain. Resistance to Impregnation Resistant heartwood Resistant sapwood Permeable sapwood Heartwood is extremely resistant Sapwood is moderately treatable Sapwood is moderately resistant Sapwood is extremely resistant Heartwood is resistant Response to Hand Tools Easy to Work Fairly Difficult to Difficult to Work Responds Poorly Moderate working qualities Difficult to machine Easy to machine Sanding Fairly Easy to Very Easy Fair to Good Results Easy to sand The material works to a smooth finish Screwing Pre-boring recommended Fair to Good Results Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult Very Good to Excellent Results Screwing yields good results Possible if prebored Difficult to screw Turning Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult Poor to Very Poor Results Poor turning characteristics Difficult to turn Veneering Qualities Difficult to veneer Not suited for plywood manufacture Difficult to glue Dense wood Steam Bending Fair to Good Results Poor to Very Poor Results Fairly Easy to Very Easy Moderate Satisfactory Poor Painting Very Good to Excellent Results Fair to Good Results Good results Polishing Fair to Good Results Very Good to Excellent Results Satisfactory results Good results Staining Poor to Very Poor Results Fair to Good Results Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult Poor results Staining (Characteristic) = coloured water-soluble extract Finish is generally satisfactory Difficult to stain. Yellow or white deposits in pores can make staining especially difficult Varnishing Fair to Good Results Very Good to Excellent Results Surface Preparation Fairly Easy to Very Easy Satisfactory Good results Strength Properties Density (dry weight) = 46-52 lbs/cu. ft. Max. crushing strength = high Bending strength (MOR) = medium Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = medium Bending strength (MOR) = high Shrinkage, Tangential = very small Density (dry weight)= 53 - 60 lbs/cu. ft Shrinkage, Volumetric = small Shrinkage, Radial = very small Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = medium Hardness (side grain) = very hard Hardness (side grain) = medium Density (dry weight) = 38-45 lbs/cu. ft. Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = very low Hardness (side grain)= hard Shrinkage, Radial = small Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = low Density (dry weight) = 31-37 lbs/cu. ft. Toughness-Hammer drop (Impact Strength) = low Shrinkage, Tangential = small Resists denting and marring Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = very low Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = low Max. crushing strength = medium Hard Density = high Crushing strength = high Compression strength (parallel to grain) = high Numerical Data Item Green Dry English Bending Strength 12428 19175 psi Density 49 lbs/ft3 Hardness 2103 lbs Impact Strength 30 inches Maximum Crushing Strength 6686 10459 psi Shearing Strength 1941 psi Stiffness 1578 1888 1000 psi Work to Maximum Load 11 inch-lbs/in3 Specific Gravity 0.59 0.62 Weight 53 48 lbs/ft3 Radial Shrinkage 2 % Tangential Shrinkage 4 % Volumetric Shrinkage 8 % Item Green Dry Metric Bending Strength 873 1348 kg/cm2 Density 785 kg/m3 Hardness 953 kg Impact Strength 76 cm Maximum Crushing Strength 470 735 kg/cm2 Shearing Strength 136 kg/cm2 Stiffness 110 132 1000 kg/cm2 Work to Maximum Load 0.77 cm-kg/cm3 Specific Gravity 0.59 0.62 Weight 849 769 kg/m3 Radial Shrinkage 2 % Tangential Shrinkage 4 % References Ashiabor, W.K.,1968,The Properties of Afzelia africana, Anogeissus leiocarpus, Cynometra,anata, Guibourtia ehie, Tectona grandis,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Ghana Tech. Note,No.6 Bentum, A.L.K.,1969,Properties of Ghanaian Timbers : Afzelia Spp. notably Afzelia africana,Smith,Ghana Forest Products Research Institute Technical Newsletter,3(3&4,pp16-18 Bolza, E., Keating, W.G.,1972,African Timbers - the Properties, Uses and Characteristics of 700 Species,C.S.I.R.O. Div. of Building Research Bolza, E.,1976,Timber and Health,Div. Building Res. C.S.I.R.O. Australia Brown, W.H.,1969,Properties and uses of Tropical hardwoods in the United Kingdom. Part 1,Nonstructural properties and uses.,Conference on Tropical hardwoods SC-5/TN-5, Syracuse University Chalk, L.,1933,Twenty West African Timber Trees,Forest Trees and Timbers of the British Empire,Part 2 Chudnoff, M.,1984,Tropical Timbers of the World,U.S.A. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products,Laboratory, Madison. Clifford, N.,1953,Commercial Hardwoods - Their Characteristics Identification and,Utilization,Sir Isaac Pitman & Sons Ltd. London Dalziel, J.M.,1937,The Useful Plants of West Tropical Africa,Crown Agents for the Colonies Erfurth, T., Rusche, H.,1976,The Marketing of Tropical Wood A. Wood Species from African Moist Forests,F.A.O. Forestry Department France - C.T.F.T.,1959,Bois a Parquets,C.T.F.T.,Information Tec.,No.6 France - C.T.F.T.,1960,Resultats des Observation et des essais effectues au CTFT sur Lingue,C.T.F.T.,Information Technique, No.66 France - C.T.F.T.,1963,Resultats des Observations et des Essais Effectues au C.T.F.T. sur le,Doussie,: Afzelia Sp.,C.T.F.T.,Information Tec., No.184 France - C.T.F.T.,1977,Promotion of African Timbers - New Species,CTFT,35 Leaflets France - C.T.F.T.,Promotion of Zaire Timbers. New Series (Leaflets,C.T.F.T. Ghana - Timber Marketing Board,1969,Ghana Hardwoods,Timber Marketing Board Gotz, E.,1983,Timber trees of the Gambia,Stiftung Walderhaltung in Afrika and Bundesforschungsanstalt fur Forst-,und Holzwirtschaft HMSO. 1972. Handbook of Hardwoods. 2nd Edition. Revised by R. H. Farmer. Department of the Environment, Building Research Establishment, Princes Risborough Laboratory, Princes Risborough, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. Imperial Institute,1923,Results of the Examination of Nigerian Timbers,Bulletin of the Imperial Institute,21(3, pp444-61 Irvine, F.R.,1961,Woody Plants of Ghana,O.U.P. London ITTO. 1986. Tropical Timber Atlas, Volume 1 - Africa. International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) and Centre Technique Forestier Tropical (CTFT, 45bis, Avenue de la Belle Gabrielle, Nogent-sur-Marne Cedex, France. Jay, B.A.,1968,Timbers of West Africa,TRADA, Red Booklet Series Keay, R.W.J. 1989. Trees of Nigeria. Revised Version of Nigerian Trees. Clarendon Press, Oxford. Kinloch, D., Miller, W.A.,1949,Gold Coast Timbers,Govt. Printer Gold Coast Kloot, N. H. and E. Bolza. 1961. Properties of Timbers Imported into Australia. Technological Paper No. 12. Division of Forest Products, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Melbourne, Australia. Kryn, J.M., Forbes, E.W.,1959,The Woods of Liberia,U.S.A. Department of Agriculture,Forest Products Laboratory, Madison,,Report No. 2159 Lavers, G. M. 1966. The Strength Properties of Timbers. Forest Products Research Bulletin, No. 50. Ministry of Technology, Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London. Lincoln, W. A. 1986. World Woods in Color. Linden Publishing Co. Inc., Fresno, California. McCoy-Hill, M.,1962,The Protection of Timber from Marine Borer Damage in East African,Waters,8th Brit. Commw. Forestry Conf. East Africa Okeke, R.E.,1966,Comparative Anatomy of three Nigerian Afzelia Species,Department of Forest Research, Ibadan, Nigeria, Forest Products Research,Laboratory Report No.9 Portugal - Min. do Ultramar,1956,Essencias Florestais da Guine Portuguesa,Min. do Ultramar Jardin e Museu Agriccola do Ultramar Sallenave, P.,1955,Proprietes Phyiques et Mecaniques des Bois Tropicaux de l'Union Francaise,C.T.F.T Sallenave, P.,1964,Proprietes Physiques et Mecaniques des Bois Tropicaux (Premier Supplement,C.T.F.T. Publ.,no.23 Sallenave, P.,1971,Proprietes Physiques et Mecaniques des Bois Tropicaux (Deuxieme,Supplement,C.T.F.T. Spalt, H.A., Stern, W.L.,1956,Survey of African woods 1,Tropical Woods,115(105,pp 13-38 Tack, C.H.,1969,Uganda Timbers,Govt. Printer Uganda Takahashi, A.,1978,Compilation of Data on the Mechanical Properties of Foreign Woods (Part,III) Africa,Shimane University, Japan, Research Report on Foreign Wood No. 7 Uganda Forest Department,1954,Flooring Timbers,Uganda Forest Department Timber Leaflet,No.17 Uganda Forest Department,1954,The Mechanical Properties of some Ugandan Timbers,Uganda Forest Department Timber Leaflet,No.1 Uganda Forest Department,1969,The Shrinkage of Some Ugandan Timbers,Uganda Forestry Department Timber Leaflet,No.47 Unwin, A.H.,1920,West African Forests and Forestry,T. Fisher Unwin Ltd. London WCMC. 1992. Conservation Status Listing - Trees and Timbers of the World. World Conservation Monitoring Center-Plants Programme, Cambridge, CB3 ODL, United Kingdom. Wigg, L.T.,1946,Durability of some East African Timbers,East African Agricultural Journal,12,pp90-100, (Now East,African Agricultural and Forestry Journal) Wood, B., Calnan, D.,1976,Toxic Woods,British Journal of Dermat 94 Suppl. 13