Countries of origin and local name
D.R. of the Congo: Impopo, Lifaki
Rep. of the Congo: Mpembe
Angola: Lifuko
Ivory Coast: Bobousson
Ghana: Akowaa
Cameroon: Klatie
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 | I |
| RAW DENSITY | 0.69 g/cm3 |
| BENDING STRENGTH | 102 N/mm2 |
| COMPRESSION strength | 57 N/mm2 |
| E-Module | 11,800 N/mm2 |
| Volume dwindle | 12.0 % |
| Radial shrinkage | 4.3 % |
| Tangential shrinkage | 6.0 % |
Property and application
Kosipo is suitable for staircases, banisters, flooring, and flat sawn veneers for doors and furniture. It is also used for decorative paneling and artistic wood-working . Transparent or clear varnish is recommended for surface treatment; optimal wood humidity is 12 – 14 percent.
How to use it
Very Good
Flooring, Paneling, Intarsia works, Cabinetmaking
Good
Furniture, Walls, decking, Flat sawn veneer, Doors, Staircases
Usable
Rotary cut veneer, Musical instrument, Modeling, Construction wood, Weapons industry, Window frames, Laboratory furniture & fittings
Not Good
Plywood, Blind veneer