Countries of origin and local name
Cameroon: Awong
Equatorial Guinea: Awong
Gabon: Nson-so, Awong
Congo countries: Bokonge, Dikela, n’toko, koboto
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 | 0.85 - 1.10 g/cm3 |
| BENDING STRENGTH | 160 N/mm2 |
| COMPRESSION strength | 85 N/mm2 |
| E-Module | 17,000 N/mm2 |
| Volume dwindle | 10.5 - 19.5 % |
| Radial shrinkage | 6.0 % |
| Tangential shrinkage | 10 % |
Property and application
Wenge is a hard, heavy, flexible wood that possesses good mechanical properties. It dries slowly, and kiln drying should be done cautiously in order to reduce the incidence of cracking. Wenge is easy to cut and work with (its working properties are similar to hickory Carya alba). The wood is highly durable, as well as weather- and insect-resistant. It is much sought after in the flooring and decking industries and is in high demand for cabinetry. Wenge is also suitable as a decorative veneer but must first undergo intensive steaming.
How to use it
Very Good
Furniture, Flooring, Intarsia works, Cabinetmaking, Rotary cut veneer, Flat sawn veneer
Good
Walls, decking, Paneling, Musical instrument, Staircases, Weapons industry
Usable
Doors, Construction wood, Window frames, Laboratory furniture & fittings
Not Good
Modeling, Ship, rail & truck building, Plywood, Blind veneer