Countries of origin and local name
Cameroon: Ekop, Bope, N’bonda
Guinea-Bissau: Menga-menga
Gabon: Ohobe, M’boune, M’bou
Rep. of the Congo: Bosasa, Kamashi
D.R. of the Congo: Susumenga
Angola: Memenga
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 | 0.89 - 1.05 g/cm3 |
| BENDING STRENGTH | 160 N/mm2 |
| COMPRESSION strength | 85 N/mm2 |
| E-Module | 15,000 N/mm2 |
| Volume dwindle | 11.8 % |
| Radial shrinkage | 5.1 % |
| Tangential shrinkage | 6.4 % |
Property and application
Niove is a very hard and heavy wood with an even structure and good physical properties; it is however, impact-sensitive. The timber’s high resin content contributes to its high level of durability. The drying process must be carefully controlled and slowly performed. If well steamed, Niove is suitable for veneer production. It is a good general construction wood, usable for both interior and exterior purposes. Common applications include the building of stairs, doors and floors.
How to use it
Very Good
Good
Flooring, Walls, decking, Paneling, Construction wood, Staircases, Ship, rail & truck building
Usable
Furniture, Cabinetmaking, Rotary cut veneer, Flat sawn veneer, Doors, Window frames
Not Good
Intarsia works, Musical instrument, Modeling, Weapons industry, Plywood, Laboratory furniture & fittings, Blind veneer