Countries of origin and local name
Cameroon: Elang, Elanzok
Central African Republic: M’bamga, Ovanga
Rep. of the Congo: M’fua
D.R. of the Congo: Fino, Kabulungu
USA: Autracon
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 | 0.95 g/cm3 |
| BENDING STRENGTH | 150 N/mm2 |
| COMPRESSION strength | 74 N/mm2 |
| E-Module | 13,700 N/mm2 |
| Volume dwindle | 20.0 % |
| Radial shrinkage | 8.0 % |
| Tangential shrinkage | 9.1 % |
Property and application
Mukulungu is a hard wood that has good mechanical properties and a superior bending strength. It is quite durable and weather and water resistant. Because of its extreme hardness, the wood can only be processed with special tools. Mukulungu is a good, though expensive, choice for uses such as staircases, windows and flooring. In past decades it was exported in great quantities to Europe, often being used to supply ceiling beams and construction timber for government buildings. The timber’s high density and resistance to acids make it especially suitable for use in the manufacture of chemical containers and laboratory tables.
How to use it
Very Good
Furniture, Flooring, Walls, decking, Paneling, Intarsia works, Cabinetmaking, Rotary cut veneer, Flat sawn veneer, Doors, Construction wood, Staircases, Weapons industry, Laboratory furniture & fittings
Good
Musical instrument, Window frames
Usable
Ship, rail & truck building
Not Good
Modeling, Plywood, Blind veneer