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Blunting Effect Boring Carving 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 Abrasion Resistance to Impregnation Response to Hand Tools Routing & Recessing Sanding Sapwood Color Scientific Name Screwing Silica Content Staining Steam Bending Strength Properties Substitutes Texture Toxicity Trade Name Tree Identification Tree Size Turning Veneering Qualities Weathering		Scientific Name Gossweilerodendron balsamiferum Trade Name Agba Family Name Leguminosae Common Names Achi, Achi-aro, Agba, Agbara, Boana, Dembo, Ditchipi, Egba, Emonga, Emongi, Loshi-erin, Mboron, Moboron, Mpele, Mpere, Mupaka, Mushilu mutoke, Mutsekamambole, N'Tola, Nigerian cedar, Ntola, Okimeten, Pink mahogany, Tola, Tola blanc, Tola branca, Tshibudimbu tshitoke, White tola Regions of Distribution Africa Countries of Distribution  [VIEW MAP] Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Zaire Common Uses Balusters, Boat building (general), Boat building, Boat building: decking, Boat building: planking, Boxes and crates, Bridge construction, Building construction, Building materials, Cabinetmaking, Canoes, Carvings, Chairs, Chests, Coffins, Concealed parts (Furniture), Concrete formwork, Construction, Cooperages, Core Stock, Decorative plywood, Desks, Dining-room furniture, Domestic flooring, Dowell pins, Dowells, Drawer sides, Excelsior, Fine furniture, Floor lamps, Flooring, Furniture , Furniture components, Furniture squares or stock, Furniture, Hatracks, Heavy construction, Interior construction, Interior trim, Joinery (external): ground contact, Joinery, Kitchen cabinets, Lifeboats, Light construction, Living-room suites, Millwork, Moldings, Musical instruments: piano, Office furniture, Paneling, Parquet flooring, Particleboard, Plywood corestock, Plywood, Plywood: veneer (marine), Poles, Pulp/Paper products, Radio - stereo - TV cabinets, Railroad ties, Rustic furniture, Shipbuilding, Sporting Goods, Stairworks, Tool handles, Toys, Turnery, Vats, Vehicle parts, Veneer: decorative Environmental Profile Endangered Extinct Abundant/Secure Generally secure within its natural habitat Data source is World Conservation Monitoring Center Distribution Overview Endemic to the Guineo-Congolian region. G. balsamiferum occurs in Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Nigeria and Zaire. This shade-tolerant species usually grows in mature little-disturbed forest (evergreen or semi- deciduous) and occurs at elevations below 500m. This species flourishes on ferruginous soils derived from secondary sediments. It is absent or rare from part of its range within the main Nigeria-Zaire forest block. In the Congo, in the forest zone between Louessé and Niari of Makabana, stands of G. balsamiferum are found with 5 or 6 exploitable trees per hectare. It favors deep soil and plenty of moisture. Heartwood Color Red Brown Pink White Purple Yellow to golden-yellow to orange Pale red to pink Pale brown Reddish brown Brown Yellowish brown Pinkish brown Darkens upon exposure Dark brown The heartwood is initially yellowish- to pinkish- brown, but it darkens upon exposure. It is described as reddish-brown, with a distinct brick-red or terracotta-pink tinge. The wood has a bright, clean compact appearance, with some similarities to mahogany. Sapwood Color White Yellow Red Brown Paler than heartwood White to yellow Same as heartwood Well defined Pinkish The sapwood is lighter in color than the heartwood, and is not very distinct. Sapwood width is usually about 4 inches (10 cm) or more. Grain Straight Interlocked Wavy Figure Closed Even Growth rings (figure) Distinct (figure) Weak (figure) Straight Interlocked Wavy Weak figure Distinct figure Clear growth rings (figure) The annual rings are marked by clear and slightly darker streaks of dry-season wood which give the wood a faint grain. Interlocked grain and luster combine to give radially cut wood an attractive appearance. Texture Fine Medium Fine Fine to medium Medium Even textured Evenly scattered coarse pores are reported to result in fine vessel lines on all lengthwise surfaces. Luster Medium High Pronounced Lustrous Slightly lustrous High Natural Growth Defects Brittleheart is often frequent and extensive Yellowish deposits in vessels Whitish deposits in vessels Gum/resin streaks Gum and mineral deposits Gum pockets are reported to often affect the quality of the wood, and shakes close to the heart may contain accumulations of resin. Resin exudation may cause freshly sawed boards to stick together if they are stacked without stickers. High kiln-drying temperatures may also cause gum to bleed to the surface Natural Durability Resistant to termites Susceptible to insect attack Durable Resistant to powder post beetles Non-resistant to powder post beetles Very durable Moderately durable Perishable Non-durable Durable Resistant to attack from termites (Isoptera) Susceptible to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles Pinworms (ambrosia beetles) often present in the standing tree Pinworms (ambrosia beetles) may be present in the felled log Moderately durable Very durable Resistant to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles Pinworms (ambrosia beetles) are commonly present Non durable Susceptible to marine borer attack Resistant to wood staining fungal attack Heartwood is naturally durable Heartwood resistant Weathering Good Odor Resinous wood has peppery odor when freshly cut No distinct taste Silica Content High Siliceous Light-Induced Color Change Darker Toxicity Some toxic effects Respiratory effects Dermatitic effects Kiln Schedules Drying (speed) is fast UK=J US=T10D5S/T8D4S Fr=4 UK=F US=T6D4/T3D3 Fr=6 T10 - D5s (4/4); T8 - D4s (8/4) US Schedule J - United Kingdom Kiln Drying Rate (in days) is fairly rapid Dry at a moderate speed Drying Defects Distortion Splitting Resin Exudation Checking Expect resin/gum exudation No twisting or warping Slight twist/warp Slight surface checking Slight end splitting No surface checking Warping can be expected No end splitting Checking Ease of Drying Fairly Easy Rapidly Gum Exudation Slowly Reconditioning Treatement Little degrade Easy Radial - 1.5% Shrinkage from green to 12% MC Tangential - 3.0% The wood dries fairly easily, with a slight tendency to check and warp. Kiln Drying Rate Naturally dries quickly Naturally dries slowly Drying rate is fairly rapid to fast Fairly rapid (11-17 days for boards under 32 mm, to 31-51 days for boards greater than 63 mm) Tree Identification Bole/stem form is not buttressed Bole/stem form is straight Bole/stem form is cylindrical Tree Size Trunk diameter is 100-150 cm Tree height is 40-50 m Bole length is 20-30 m Trunk diameter is 150-200 cm Sapwood width is 10-15 cm Tree height is 50-60 m Tree height is 30-40 m Bole length is 10-20 m Sapwood width is 5-10 cm Tree height is 20-30 m Bole length is 30-40 m Product Sources Although the species is abundant and relatively inexpensive, it is seldom available through retailers of hardwoods for furniture in North America. Supplies are mostly in Europe, but Agba is also often found in the US as corestock in plywood or as the secondary wood in furniture from Europe. Agba is not actively sought after on the US market because many domestic species which are in abundant supplies can be used for the same applications. The wood matchs with Oak veneer, which can save money on solid sections. Certified Source Certified Source Substitutes Idigbo (Terminalia ivorensis) is similar in appearance. Comments General finishing qualities are rated as good Blunting Effect Moderate Little Blunting effect on machining is slight Blunting effect on machining is moderate Slight effect Blunting effect on sawing dry wood is moderate The wood has small blunting effect on cutting edges, but gum may accumulate on cutters. Boring Fairly easy to very easy Fair to good results Easy Good (75+ pieces out of 100 will yield good to excellent results) Response to boring operations is good, but cutters may gum up. Carving Fair to Good Results Fairly Easy to Very Easy Good carving characteristics Cutting Resistance Easy to saw Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult to saw Cutting Resistance with dry wood is easy Cutting resistance with dry wood is variable Cutting Resistance with green wood is difficult Low cutting resistance The wood has very little resistance to cutting, but resin tends to accumulate on saws. Gluing Fairly Easy to Very Easy Fair to Good Results Easy to glue Good gluing properties Mortising Fair to Good Results Fairly Easy to Very Easy Very Good to Excellent Results Easy to mortise Cutters may gum up, but the timber is generally easy to mortise. Moulding Fair to Good Results Very Good to Excellent Results Fairly Easy to Very Easy Easy to mould Responds fairly well to moulding operations The wood responds readily to machine tools in moulding operations. Gum may accumulate on cutters. Movement in Service Excellent Stability - Small Movement Fair to Good Stability - Medium Movement Small Stable The timber is dimensionally stable after seasoning, and retains its shape well in use Nailing Fairly Easy to Very Easy Fair to Good Results Very Good to Excellent Results Poor to Very Poor Results Easy to nail Holds nails well Satisfactory nailing properties Planing Fairly Easy to Very Easy Fair to Good Results Very Good to Excellent Results Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult Easy to plane Responds very well to both hand and machine tools Planes well, to a good finish Difficult to plane There may be accumulation of gum on cutters. Resistance to Abrasion High Resistance to Impregnation Resistant heartwood Permeable sapwood Resistant sapwood Heartwood is resistant Heartwood is extremely resistant Heartwood responds poorly to preservative treatment Penetration and retention in the sapwood is adequate. Response to Hand Tools Easy to Work Fairly Difficult to Difficult to Work Responds Readily Easy to machine Variable qualities Responds fairly well to hand tools There may be accumulation of gum on cutters. Routing & Recessing Fairly Easy to Very Easy Fair to Good Results Good routing qualities Sanding Fairly Easy to Very Easy Fair to Good Results Good sanding qualities Difficult to sand Sandpaper may be clogged up quickly. Screwing Fairly Easy to Very Easy Fair to Good Results Very Good to Excellent Results Easy to screw Screwing yields good results Good screwing properties Turning Fair to Good Results Fairly Easy to Very Easy Easy to turn Veneering Qualities Suitable for peeling Veneers easily Suitable for slicing Veneers moderately easy No drying degrade Good gluing qualities Easy to cut There is slight to moderate drying degrade and the potential for buckles and splits Suitable for peeling No steaming needed during bolt preparation. No drying degrade. Dries flat without splitting Steam Bending Fair to Good Results Fairly Easy to Very Easy Moderate Fair Painting Poor results Polishing Fair to Good Results Poor to Very Poor Results Very Good to Excellent Results Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult Satisfactory results Good results Takes a high finish Staining Fair to Good Results Very Good to Excellent Results Fairly Easy to Very Easy Finish is generally satisfactory Finish is generally good Stains very well Special attention suggested The material is reported to stain very well after filling, but there may be some bubbling up under finishes, especially on the end-grain. Strength Properties Bending strength (MOR) = low Max. crushing strength = medium Density (dry weight) = 31-37 lbs/cu. ft. Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = very low Shrinkage, Radial = very small Hardness (side grain) = soft Shrinkage, Tangential = very small Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = low Max. crushing strength = low Hardness (side grain) = very soft Bending strength (MOR) = medium Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = low Toughness-Hammer drop (Impact Strength) = low Shrinkage, Volumetric = small Shrinkage, Tangential = small Density (dry weight) = 23-30 lbs/cu. ft. Toughness-Hammer drop (Impact Strength) = very low Shrinkage, Volumetric = very small Shrinkage, Radial = small Work to Maximum Load = very low Toughness (total work) = very low Shrinkage, Tangential = moderate Shrinkage, Tangential = fairly large Shrinkage, Radial = moderate Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = very low Bending strength (MOR) = very low Agba is similar in density to Yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera ), but it has a somewhat coarser texture. Its strength properties are comparable, but slightly inferior to the true Mahoganies (Swietenia and Khaya ). The timber is described as a general purpose lumber, but high gum content and relative softness make it less desirable as a primary choice for fine furniture. It is usually available in wide boards, and is very stable, which makes it suitable as a secondary material for interior panels, drawer sides, and veneer core stock. Numerical Data Item Green Dry English Bending Strength 6986 10966 psi Density 31 lbs/ft3 Hardness 762 lbs Impact Strength 24 inches Maximum Crushing Strength 3434 5919 psi Shearing Strength 1505 psi Stiffness 1029 1249 1000 psi Toughness 95 inch-lbs Work to Maximum Load 7 9 inch-lbs/in3 Specific Gravity 0.36 Weight 36 30 lbs/ft3 Radial Shrinkage 2 % Tangential Shrinkage 5 % Volumetric Shrinkage 7 % Item Green Dry Metric Bending Strength 491 771 kg/cm2 Density 496 kg/m3 Hardness 345 kg Impact Strength 60 cm Maximum Crushing Strength 241 416 kg/cm2 Shearing Strength 105 kg/cm2 Stiffness 72 87 1000 kg/cm2 Toughness 109 cm-kg Work to Maximum Load 0.49 0.63 cm-kg/cm3 Specific Gravity 0.36 Weight 576 480 kg/m3 Radial Shrinkage 2 % Tangential Shrinkage 5 % References Antoine, R.C., et al,1959,Le Debit des Bois a la Scie a Ruban,I.N.E.A.C. Belgium Serie Tech., 57 Arkwright, P.,1961,Know your Timbers No.82 Agba (Gossweilodendron balsamiferum,Woodworking Industry,18(2, p95 Armstrong, F.H.,1960,The Strength Properties of Timber,Forest Products Research Laboratory, London Bulletin,No.45 Arno, J. 1992. Gossweilerodendron balsamiferum - Agba. In A Guide to Useful Woods of the World, Flynn Jr., J.H., Editor. King Philip Publishing Co., Portland, Maine. Page 173-174. Banks, C.H., Schoeman, J.P., Otto, K.P.,1977,The Mechanical Properties of Timbers with particular reference to South,Africa,South African Forestry Research Institute Bulletin,(Ed.,Schoeman, J.P. 1973 & Otto K.P. 1976,No.48 Banks, C.H.,1954,The Mechanical Properties of Timbers with Particular Reference to those,grown in the Union of South Africa,Journal of the South African Forestry Association,No. 24 pp.44-65,[South,African Forestry Journal] Bois et Forets des Tropiques,1953,Agba (Gossweilerodendron balsamiferum,Bois et Forets des Tropiques,23,pp17-20 Bois et Forets des Tropiques,1965,Androstachys johnsonii,Bois et Forets des Tropiques,No.103, p60 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 Chudnoff, M.,1984,Tropical Timbers of the World,U.S.A. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products,Laboratory, Madison. Clifford, N.,1952,Tropical Hardwoods for Building,Builder,110(5689, pp338-9 Clifford, N.,1953,Commercial Hardwoods - Their Characteristics Identification and,Utilization,Sir Isaac Pitman & Sons Ltd. London Cox, H.A.,1939,A Handbook of Empire Timbers,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough Dalziel, J.M.,1937,The Useful Plants of West Tropical Africa,Crown Agents for the Colonies Desch, H.E.,1948,The Cedars,Wood 13(2) pp40-3 Edlin, H.L. 1969. What Wood is That?: A Manual of Wood Identification. A Studio Book, The Viking Press, New York. Erfurth, T., Rusche, H.,1976,The Marketing of Tropical Wood A. Wood Species from African Moist Forests,F.A.O. Forestry Department Farmer, R.H.,1972,Handbook of Hardwoods,HMSO Forest Products Research Laboratory, U.K.,1950,The Seasoning Properties of Exotic Timbers,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough, Department of,Science and Industrial Research Leaflet,No.44 and supplements 1 & 2 Forest Products Research Laboratory, U.K.,1955,Kiln-Drying Schedules,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough, Department of,Science and Industrial Research, Building Research Establishment Leaflet,No.42 Forests Products Research Laboratory, U.K.,1956,A Handbook of Hardwoods,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough, Department of,Science and Industrial Research, Building Research Establishment Fortin, Y., Poliquin, J.,1976,Natural Durability and Preservation of 100 Tropical African Woods,International Development Research Centre, Canada Fouarge, J., Gerard, G.,1964,Bois du Mayumbe,I.N.E.A.C. Belguim Fouarge, J.,1950,Appropriation de Bois Congolais aux Besoins de la Metropole,I.N.E.A.C. Belgium Serie Technique,No.38 Fouarge, J.,1970,Essais Physiques,Mecaniques et de Durabilite de Bois de la Republique,Democratique du Congo,I.N.E.A.C. Belgium Serie Technique,No.76 France - C.T.F.T.,1962,Resultats des Observations et des Essais Effectues au CTFT sur le Tola -,Gossweilerodendron balsamiferum,C.T.F.T.,Information Tec.,No.149 France - C.T.F.T.,1966,Bois Tropicaux,C.T.F.T. Publ.,12 France - C.T.F.T.,1973,Investigations and Tests carried out on Tropical Timber by several,Research Laboratories,CTFT France - C.T.F.T.,1977,Promotion of African Timbers - New Species,CTFT,35 Leaflets France - C.T.F.T.,Recuil de Fiches Techniques,C.T.F.T. Hughes, J.F.,1971,The Principal Timber Trees of Cameroon,Unpublished data I.U.F.R.O.,1973,Veneer Species of the World,Assembled at F.P.L. Madison on behalf of I.U.F.R.O. Working Party on,Slicing and Veneer Cutting 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. 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. (Shrinkage data only). ITTO. New Marketable Species Technical Notes. Prepared by Centre Technique Forestier Tropical (CTFT, Division of CIRAD, 45 bis, Avenue de la Belle Gabrielle, 94736 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. Kloot, N.H., Bolza, E.,1961,Properties of Timbers Imported into Australia,C.S.I.R.O. Forest Products Division Technological Paper,No.12 Kribs, D.A.,1950,Commercial and Foreign Woods on the American Market (a manual to their,structure, identification, uses and distribution,U.S.A. Penn. State College, Tropical Woods Laboratory Kukachka, B.F.,1961,Foreign Wood Series-Agba (Gossweilerodendron balsamiferum,U.S.A. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Report No.2024 Kukachka, B.F.,1970,Properties of Imported Tropical Woods,Forest Research Paper FPL 125 Lavers, G.M. 1967. The Strength Properties of Timbers. Forest Products Research Bulletin, No. 50 (Spersedes Bulletin No. 45). Ministry of Technology, Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London. Lavers, G.M.,1983,The Strength Properties of Timber (3rd ed. revised Moore G.L.,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough, Building Research,Establishment Report (formerly Bulletin No.50) Lebacq, L., Dechamps, R.,1967,Contribution a un Inventaire de Forets du Nord-kasai,Musee Royal de L'Afrique Centrale Belgium Annals Series 8 No.5 Ousbey, J.H.,1959,Different Methods for Finishing Agba,Timber Technology,67(2237,p115 Patterson, D.,1988,Commercial Timbers of the World, 5th Edition,Gower Technical Press Pieters, A.,1977,Essences Forestieres du Zaire,R.U.G. Gent Belguim Rendle, B.J.,1969,World Timbers (3 Vols.,Ernest Benn Ltd. London Sallenave, P.,1964,Proprietes Physiques et Mecaniques des Bois Tropicaux (Premier Supplement,C.T.F.T. Publ.,no.23 Sandermann, W., Feht, F.,1955,Some chemical and technological investigations on the wood of Agba,Translated by the Timber Dev. Assoc. Ltd from Holz als Roh-und Werkstoff,1955 13(8) 292-301. Scott, M.H.,1950,Notes on the more Important African Timbers Imported into the Union with,Special Ref. to Port. E.A. Species,Journal of the South African Forestry Association,No.19,pp18-62,[South,African Forestry Journal] Seabra, L., Ferreirinha, M.P.,1960,Ficha Techologica e Florestal-Gossweilerodendron balsamiferum,Junta das Miss. Geog. Invest. do. Ultrama Garcia de Orta,8(2,pp279-83 Spalt, H.A., Stern, W.L.,1956,Survey of African woods 1,Tropical Woods,115(105,pp 13-38 Spalt, H.A., Stern, W.L.,1957,Survey of Africa Woods 3,Tropical Woods 16(107) pp92-128 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 Thomas, A.V.,1964,Timbers Used in the Boat Building Industry A Survey,Department of Scientific and Industrial Research Forest Products Research,Laboratory Timber Development Association Ltd.,1955,World Timbers (3 Vols.,Timber Development Association Ltd. Timber Development Association,1948,Some New Timbers and Their Uses No. 34,Timber Development Association Limited, London [TRADA] U.A.C.O. Timber Review,1962,A good all-rounder -Agba (Gossweilerodendron balsamiferum,U.A.C.O. Timber Review,6, pp2-6 U.K. - Colonial Forest Resources Development Department,1939,British Colonial Timbers - Woods recommended for Various Uses,Colonial Forest Resources Development Department,London Wood, B., Calnan, D.,1976,Toxic Woods,British Journal of Dermat 94 Suppl. 13