Countries of origin and local name
Ivory Coast: Yatandza
Ghana: Awiemfosamina
D.R. of the Congo: Elongwamba
Cameroon: Evouvous, Ongo ayem
Rep. of the Congo: Sifou-sifou
Habitat
Afrormosia is a rare tree species found in West and Central Africa, including the countries of Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and the Congo states. The tree grows primarily in groups.
Tree description
Afrormosia is a large tree reaching heights of 30-50 m (98-164 ft). The straight and cylindrical trunk is 60-160 cm (2-5 ft) in diameter, and is clear of branches for up to 30 m (98 ft). The scale-like bark is fibrous with strong red marks.
Wood description
The sapwood, about 3 cm (1.2 in) thick, is a lightly-colored mixture of white, green, and yellow. The core wood is greenish-brown with a silky luster and often displays greenish-red stripes. Pores may be filled with tannin, which can form calcium marks.
| DURABILITY CLASS | II |
| RAW DENSITY | 0.60 g/cm3 |
| BENDING STRENGTH | 95 N/mm2 |
| COMPRESSION strength | 50 N/mm2 |
| E-Module | 10,000 N/mm2 |
| Volume dwindle | 9.4 % |
| Radial shrinkage | 3.0 % |
| Tangential shrinkage | 5.2 % |
Property and application
Iatandza possesses good strength properties and is rarely subject to insect to attack. Because of its favorable technological characteristics, it is widely used for interior construction (beams, decking, etc…), although is not sufficiently durable for exterior purposes. Iatandza is commonly used in furniture production, woodturning, and for interior work. If stripped, samples of sufficient quality may be suitable for veneer production.
How to use it
Very Good
Paneling, Flat sawn veneer, Doors
Good
Furniture, Flooring, Walls, decking, Cabinetmaking, Musical instrument, Construction wood, Staircases
Usable
Rotary cut veneer, Weapons industry, Window frames, Laboratory furniture & fittings
Not Good
Intarsia works, Modeling, Ship, rail & truck building, Plywood, Blind veneer