Countries of origin and local name
Nigeria: Osun
Cameroon: Mbe, Issigou, Muenge
Congo countries: Kisese, Tukula, Nzali
Angola: Tukala
Tanzania: Mwangura
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 | 0.77 g/cm3 |
| BENDING STRENGTH | 131 N/mm2 |
| COMPRESSION strength | 62 N/mm2 |
| E-Module | 12,300 N/mm2 |
| Volume dwindle | 9.0 % |
| Radial shrinkage | 3.3 % |
| Tangential shrinkage | 5.3 % |
Property and application
Padouk is flexible and impact resistant. It is very workable, and drying results in little shrinkage or twisting (although kiln drying may produce a few small breaks). After cutting, the wood should be quickly processed as it loses some of its vibrant coloring if stored for too long. Padouk is a first class flat sawn veneer wood, and is ideal for intarsia works, for the cabinetmaker and for musical instruments. Its outstanding longevity and physical properties make it useful for applications such flooring and paneling. It is also sought after for the making of musical instruments.
How to use it
Very Good
Furniture, Intarsia works, Cabinetmaking, Flat sawn veneer, Musical instrument, Modeling, Weapons industry
Good
Flooring, Walls, decking, Paneling, Rotary cut veneer, Doors
Usable
Construction wood, Staircases, Ship, rail & truck building, Window frames, Laboratory furniture & fittings
Not Good
Plywood, Blind veneer