Countries of origin and local name
Ivory Coast: Bibitu, Lotue
Ghana: Scented mahogany
Nigeria: Ubilesam, Ukwekan
Cameroon: Bonamba
Congo countries: Lifaki, Botsife
Angola: Lifuti
Tanzania: Miovu
Uganda: Muyovo
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 | 0.68 g/cm3 |
| BENDING STRENGTH | 114 N/mm2 |
| COMPRESSION strength | 62 N/mm2 |
| E-Module | 11,200 N/mm2 |
| Volume dwindle | 12.6 % |
| Radial shrinkage | 5.4 % |
| Tangential shrinkage | 7.0 % |
Property and application
Despite its hardness, Sapelli is considered to be a quite workable timber. It is not very pliable, and is susceptible to the effects to weather. The wood is widely-used and has many applications. Both flat sawn and (in particular) quartersawn planes reveal an attractive wavy structure that can be used to produce decorative veneers, as well as wall and ceiling paneling. Sapelli is also used for a variety of solid-wood purposes: ship construction, furniture, staircases, and flooring. Additionally, it is employed for artistic carpentry work and the making of musical instruments (violins for example). Local people in Africa use this wood to build canoes and other types of boats.
How to use it
Very Good
Furniture, Flooring, Paneling, Intarsia works, Flat sawn veneer, Musical instrument
Good
Walls, decking, Cabinetmaking, Rotary cut veneer, Doors, Construction wood, Staircases
Usable
Ship, rail & truck building, Window frames, Laboratory furniture & fittings
Not Good
Modeling, Weapons industry, Plywood, Blind veneer