Countries of origin and local name
Ghana: Denya, Adadua
Ivory Coast: Bouemon
Gabon: Edum, Oduma
Cameroon: Adoum, Bokoka
Nigeria: Anyan, Ekam, Okain, Kendum
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 | 0.77-1.05 g/cm3 |
| BENDING STRENGTH | 150 N/mm2 |
| COMPRESSION strength | 85 N/mm2 |
| E-Module | 15,000 - 18,000 N/mm2 |
| Volume dwindle | 14.5 % |
| Radial shrinkage | 6.2 % |
| Tangential shrinkage | 8.6 % |
Property and application
This hard and heavy wood possesses good mechanical properties. Kiln drying must be carried out slowly and carefully or the wood can become spotted. It resists weather and insect attack and is used as and the manufacturing of railway sleepers and heavy floors. In parts of Nigeria Okan is used to make pontoons.
How to use it
Very Good
Construction wood, Ship, rail & truck building
Good
Flooring
Usable
Walls, decking
Not Good
Furniture, Paneling, Intarsia works, Cabinetmaking, Rotary cut veneer, Flat sawn veneer, Musical instrument, Doors, Modeling, Staircases, Weapons industry, Plywood, Window frames, Laboratory furniture & fittings, Blind veneer