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Blunting Effect Boring Carving 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 Schedules Light-Induced Color Change Luster Mortising Moulding Movement in Service Nailing Natural Durability Numerical Data Odor Planing Polishing Product Sources References Regions of Distribution Resistance to Impregnation Resistance to Splitting Response to Hand Tools Sanding Sapwood Color Scientific Name Screwing Staining Steam Bending Strength Properties Texture Trade Name Tree Identification Tree Size Turning Veneering Qualities		Scientific Name Nesogordonia papaverifera Trade Name Danta Family Name Sterculiaceae Common Names Aborbora, Abumana, Acacia du Gabon, Ahia, Akumaba, Akumadua, Akumba, Alele, Apro, Apru, Apuro, Apuropurow, Arborbora, Awraw, Ayia, Baa, Bah, Bakabakue, Balake, Bana, Banu, Bello, Bukyu-akwa, Butuakwa, Cissinhungo, Danta, Denkyera, Denta, Ekumadu, Ekumbaa, Epro, Eprou, Epru, Ka-bakam, Kissin hungo, Kissinhungo, Kondofindo, Koti, Kotibe, Kotie, Kuapa, Majaagei, Mutsanya, Naouya, Odanta, Ogamiguia, Olbarbora, Olborbora, Opuropurow, Oro, Otala, Otutu, Ouringue, Ovoe, Ovoue, Ovoui, Owoe, Redwood, Sinani, Tsanya, Urhuaro Regions of Distribution Africa Countries of Distribution  [VIEW MAP] Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Zaire Common Uses Agricultural implements, Boat building (general), Boat building: decking, Boat building: framing, Boat building: planking, Boxes and crates, Brush backs & handles, Cabinetmaking, Canoes, Carvings, Chairs, Chests, Concealed parts (Furniture), Cooperages, Core Stock, Decorative veneer, Desks, Dining-room furniture, Domestic flooring, Dowell pins, Dowells, Drawer sides, Excelsior, Factory flooring, Figured veneer, Fine furniture, Floor lamps, Flooring, Fuelwood, Furniture , Furniture components, Furniture squares or stock, Furniture, Handles, Handles: general, Hatracks, Heavy construction, Joinery (external): ground contact, Joinery, Kitchen cabinets, Light construction, Living-room suites, Millwork, Mine timbers, Office furniture, Parquet flooring, Plain veneer, Plywood, Poles, Posts, Radio - stereo - TV cabinets, Railroad ties, Rustic furniture, Shafts/Handles, Sporting Goods, Stools, Sub-flooring, Tables , Tool handles, Turnery, Utility furniture, Vats, Vehicle parts, Veneer, Veneer: decorative, Wardrobes, Wheel spokes, Wheels Environmental Profile Vulnerable in parts of its natural habitat Secure in many areas of its range Rare in parts of its natural range (population is at risk) Data source is World Conservation Monitoring Center Rare in Sierra Leone, Vulnerable in Benin Distribution Overview This African species is distributed from Sierra Leone to Cameroon and the northern parts of Gabon. It is usually found growing with other species in dry deciduous and transitional forests. Heartwood Color Brown Red Reddish brown Red Pale brown The heartwood is reddish-brown in color, and the lustrous surface is similar to that of dark mahogany. The presence of small pin knots and streaks of dark scar tissues can sometimes mar the appearance of the wood. Sapwood Color Brown Red Well defined Pinkish Paler than heartwood Different than heartwood Bright red, purplish-red, or light reddish-brown Grain Figure Interlocked Distinct (figure) Rippled (figure) Stripe (figure) Even Other (figure) Mottle Straight Weak (figure) Interlocked Distinct figure Rippled figure Striped figure Weak figure Straight Other figure Mottled or streaked figure sometimes The interlocked grain is reported to produce a striped figure on quartersawn surfaces. Texture Fine Even or uniform Fine Oily feel Fine to medium Even textured Luster Medium Low Lustrous Medium Natural Durability Durable Resistant to attack from termites (Isoptera) Susceptible to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles Durable Moderately durable Pinworms (ambrosia beetles) are commonly present Moderately resistant to termite (Isoptera) attack Resistant to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles Susceptible to marine borer attack Resistant to attack from pinworms (ambrosia beetles) Very durable Sapwood susceptible to attack by powder post beetles Pinworms (ambrosia beetles) often present in the standing tree Pinworms (ambrosia beetles) may be present in the felled log Naturally resistant to decay Heartwood is moderately resistant to attack by termites and marine borers Odor Has an odor No specific smell or taste Light-Induced Color Change Lighter Darker Kiln Schedules Dry at a slow speed UK=E US=T6D2/T3D1 Fr=5 T6 - D2 (4/4); T3 - D1 (8/4) US Schedule E; United Kingdom Dry at a moderate speed Over-rapid drying should be avoided, as there is a tendency to warp and case harden, with some ribbing and knot splitting). Drying Defects Collapse Distortion Slight end splitting Moderate end spitting Slight twist/warp Moderate twist/warp No twisting or warping No end splitting Moderate collapse and honeycombing Rapid drying may cause warping and casehardening Rapid drying may cause surface checks and split knots Ease of Drying Moderately Difficult to Difficult Slowly Variable Little degrade Easy Seasons well but slowly Difficult Tree Identification Bole/stem form is buttressed Bole/stem form is straight Bole/stem form is cylindrical Tree Size Bole length is 10-20 m Tree height is 30-40 m Straight, cylindrical boles, which are developed over short buttresses are usually clear of branches for 40 to 50 feet (12 to 15 m). Product Sources The ITTO reports that the species is a fairly important source of timber which is exported regularly. The wood is exported in small quantities from West Africa. Adequate supplies normally required for large projects are difficult to obtain, but small orders such as needed for miniature or modelling can be filled. Comments General finishing qualities are rated as good Blunting Effect Blunting effect on machining is moderate Medium dulling effect on cutting edges Blunting effect on cutting edges is rated as generally moderate, but can be substantial sometimes. Boring Fair to good results Fairly easy to very easy Easy Slower speeds recommended for boring operations Carving Fair to Good Results Easy to carve Cutting Resistance Cutting Resistance with dry wood is easy Low cutting resistance Gluing Fair to Good Results Fairly Easy to Very Easy Easy to glue Moderate gluing properties Good gluing properties The wood responds satisfactorily to all types of glues. Mortising Fair to Good Results Fairly Easy to Very Easy The wood responds very well to slower speeds in mortising operations Moulding Fair to Good Results Fairly Easy to Very Easy Easy to mould The wood is generally easy to work in, moulding and other machining operations, but there may be some tearing in material containing interlocked grain Movement in Service Excellent Stability - Small Movement Fair to Good Stability - Medium Movement Medium Nailing Difficult to nail Slight tendency for wood to split during nailing Pre-boring recommended Possible if prebored Holds nails well Planing Fair to Good Results Fairly Easy to Very Easy Special attention required Responds well to ordinary tools in mortising Easy to plane Ease of planing is moderate Cutting edges tend to dull rapidly A reduced cutting angle of 15 degrees is recommended to prevent tearing Resistance to Impregnation Permeable sapwood Resistant heartwood Resistant sapwood Heartwood is resistant Sapwood is moderately resistant Heartwood is extremely resistant Sapwood is resistant Sapwood is permeable Resistance to Splitting Poor Response to Hand Tools Easy to machine Poor machining properties due to severe and rapid dulling of cutting edges Moderate working qualities Good Difficult to machine Sanding Fairly Easy to Very Easy Good sanding finish Fairly good sanding characteristics Screwing Easy to screw Screwing yields good results Possible if prebored Good screw holding properties Turning Fair to Good Results Fairly Easy to Very Easy Easy to turn Very good Veneering Qualities No drying degrade. Dries flat without splitting Easy to cut Bolt preparation requires steaming The timber is reported to peel to yield low grade veneers. Steam Bending Fair to Good Results Fairly Easy to Very Easy Moderate Good Polishing Satisfactory results Good results A filler is sometimes required for best results Staining Finish is generally satisfactory Stains and finishes very well Strength Properties Max. crushing strength = high Density (dry weight) = 46-52 lbs/cu. ft. Bending strength (MOR) = high Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = low Hardness (side grain) = medium Shrinkage, Radial = fairly large Bending strength (MOR) = medium Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = medium Shrinkage, Tangential = fairly large Shrinkage, Tangential = very small Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = medium Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = low Toughness-Hammer drop (Impact Strength) = medium Shrinkage, Volumetric = fairly large Bending strength (MOR) = very high Shrinkage, Tangential = moderate Shrinkage, Radial = small Toughness-Hammer drop (Impact Strength) = high Shrinkage, Volumetric = moderate Shrinkage, Tangential = small Shrinkage, Radial = moderate Shrinkage, Radial = large Hardness (side grain) = hard Density (dry weight) = 38-45 lbs/cu. ft. Work to Maximum Load = low Toughness-Hammer drop (Impact Strength) = very high Shrinkage, Tangential = large Shrinkage, Radial = very small Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = very low Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = high Very heavy Very hard Very dense Toughness-Hammer drop (Impact Strength) = low Toughness (total work) = medium Toughness (total work) = low Shrinkage, Volumetric = small Shrinkage, Volumetric = large Resists denting and marring Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = very low Max. crushing strength = medium Hardness (side grain) = very soft Hardness (side grain) = soft Compression strength (parallel to grain) = high The bending strength qualities of this species in the air-dry condition is very high, far superior to those of Mahogany. Compression strength parallel to grain, or maximum crushing strength, is very high - higher than in Teak or Hard maple Numerical Data Item Green Dry English Bending Strength 13026 18841 psi Density 47 lbs/ft3 Hardness 1800 lbs Impact Strength 44 inches Maximum Crushing Strength 6780 9676 psi Shearing Strength 2093 psi Stiffness 1472 1766 1000 psi Toughness 208 inch-lbs Work to Maximum Load 9 14 inch-lbs/in3 Specific Gravity 0.61 0.66 Weight 46 45 lbs/ft3 Radial Shrinkage 4 % Tangential Shrinkage 7 % Volumetric Shrinkage 12 % Item Green Dry Metric Bending Strength 915 1324 kg/cm2 Density 753 kg/m3 Hardness 816 kg Impact Strength 111 cm Maximum Crushing Strength 476 680 kg/cm2 Shearing Strength 147 kg/cm2 Stiffness 103 124 1000 kg/cm2 Toughness 239 cm-kg Work to Maximum Load 0.63 0.98 cm-kg/cm3 Specific Gravity 0.61 0.66 Weight 737 721 kg/m3 Radial Shrinkage 4 % Tangential Shrinkage 7 % References Armstrong, F.H.,1960,The Strength Properties of Timber,Forest Products Research Laboratory, London Bulletin,No.45 Bentum, A.L.K.,1969,Properties of Ghanian Timbers - Kaku,Ghana Forest Products Research Institute Technical Newsletter,3(1,pp27-29 Bois et Forets des Tropiques,1949,Kotibe (Cistanthera papaverifera,Bois et Forets des Tropiques,No.10,pp171-4 Bois et Forets des Tropiques,1974,Kotibe (Nesogordonia papaverifera,Bois et Forets des Tropiques,No.157, pp41-52 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 Bond, C.W.,1950,Colonial Timbers,Sir Issac Pitman & Sons Ltd. London 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. Cox, H.A.,1939,A Handbook of Empire Timbers,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough Cudjoe, F.S.,1969,A Key to the Family Sterculiaceae in Ghana,Forest Prod. Res. Inst. Ghana Tech. Note, No.7 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.,1945,A Handbook of Empire Timbers,Department of Scientific and Industrial Research Forest Products Research 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 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 France - C.T.F.T./C.T.B.,1982,Guide pour le Choix des Essences Deroulables-pour la fabrication du,contreplaque,C.T.F.T./C.T.B. France France - C.T.F.T.,1961,Resultats des Observations et des Essais Effectues au CTFT sur Kotibe,C.T.F.T. Information techique,No.117 France - C.T.F.T.,1966,Bois Tropicaux,C.T.F.T. Publ.,12 France - C.T.F.T.,1977,Promotion of African Timbers - New Species,CTFT,35 Leaflets Ghana - Timber Marketing Board,1969,Ghana Hardwoods,Timber Marketing Board Ghana,1967,Properties of Ghanian Timbers-Danta (Nesogordonia papaverifera,Ghana Forest Products Research Institute Technical Newsletter, 1(2,pp26-7 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. Howard, A.L.,1948,A Manual of Timbers of the World.,Macmillan & Co. Ltd. London 3rd ed. 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 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., et al,1960,Nigerian Trees Vol.1,Nigeria Federal Department of Forest Research, Ibadan Kennedy, J.D.,1936,Forest Flora of Southern Nigeria,Government Printer Lagos Kinloch, D., Miller, W.A.,1949,Gold Coast Timbers,Govt. Printer Gold Coast Kline, M. 1988. Nesogordonia papaverifera - Danta. In A Guide to Useful Woods of the World. Flynn Jr., J.H., Editor. King Philip Publishing Co., Portland, Maine. 1994. Page 243-244. 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. 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Publ.,no.23 Savill, P.S., Fox, J.E.D.,1967,Trees of Sierra Leone Spalt, H.A., Stern, W.L.,1956,Survey of Africa Woods 2,Tropical Woods 16(106) pp65-97 Spalt, H.A., Stern, W.L.,1956,Survey of African woods 1,Tropical Woods,115(105,pp 13-38 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 Taylor, C.J.,1960,Synecology and Silviculture in Ghana,University College of Ghana Thomas Nelson and Sons Timber Development Association Ltd.,1955,World Timbers (3 Vols.,Timber Development Association Ltd. Timber Review,1976,Sepetir (Sindora Spp. and Pseudosindora palustris,Timber Review,27 p15-6 Titmuss, F.H.,1965,Commercial Timbers of the World,Technical Press Ltd., London, 3rd edition Voorhoeve, A.G.,1965,Liberian High Forest Trees,Centre for Agric. Publishing and Documentation, Wageningen