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Blunting Effect Boring Carving Comments Common Names Common Uses Countries of Distribution Cutting Resistance Distribution Overview Drying Defects Ease of Drying Environmental Profile Family Name Gluing Grain Heartwood Color Kiln Drying Rate Kiln Schedules Light-Induced Color Change Luster Mortising Moulding Movement in Service Nailing Natural Durability Natural Growth Defects Numerical Data Odor Painting Planing Polishing Product Sources References Regions of Distribution Resistance to Impregnation Response to Hand Tools Routing & Recessing Sanding Sapwood Color Scientific Name Screwing Staining Steam Bending Strength Properties Synonyms Texture Toxicity Trade Name Tree Identification Tree Size Turning Veneering Qualities Scientific Name Turraeanthus africanus Trade Name Avodire Family Name Meliaceae Synonyms Turraeanthus malchiri, Turraeanthus vignei, Turraeanthus zenkeri, Bingeria africana Common Names Adoma, African furniture wood, African satinwood, Agbe, Agbouain, Agboue, Agboui, Aneadwen, Aniadwen, Anyadwe, Apapaye, Apata, Apaya, Apeya, Appayia, Assama, Avodere, Avodire, Blimah-pu, Blimahpu, Duabedom, Engan, Enyaadwene, Esu, Gakrada, Guaso, Gyakrada, Hadwe, Hague, Hakue, Kakne, Kisanda, Kwadwema, Lusamba, M'fube, Oduma, Olon, Songo, Sunkroasu, Wansenwa, White mahohany, Wogya, Wonzanwa Regions of Distribution Africa Countries of Distribution  [VIEW MAP] Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Zaire Common Uses Boat building (general), Boxes and crates, Cabinetmaking, Chairs, Chests, Concealed parts (Furniture), Cooperages, Core Stock, Decorative veneer, Desks, Dining-room furniture, Dowell pins, Dowells, Drawer sides, Drum sticks, Excelsior, Figured veneer, Fine furniture, Floor lamps, Flooring, Furniture , Furniture components, Furniture squares or stock, Furniture, Hatracks, Joinery, Kitchen cabinets, Light construction, Living-room suites, Millwork, Moldings, Musical instruments , Office furniture, Organ pipes, Paneling, Particleboard, Piano keys, Pianos , Plain veneer, Plywood, Pulp/Paper products, Radio - stereo - TV cabinets, Rustic furniture, Sounding boards, Stools, Tables , Utility furniture, Vats, Vehicle parts, Veneer, Veneer: decorative, Violin bows, Violin, Wardrobes, Xylophones Environmental Profile Abundant/Secure Vulnerable in parts of its natural habitat Status unknown in some areas due to inadequate information Secure in many areas of its range May be rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery Data source is World Conservation Monitoring Center Vulnerable in the Ivory Coast. Rare in Uganda. Status unknown due to insufficient information in Angola, Benin, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Zaire Distribution Overview Avodire is distributed in tropical Africa, from Sierra Leone to the Congo region and Angola, and is most common in the eastern region of Ivory Coast. It is usually found in dense stands in rain forests, alongside lakes and streams. Heartwood Color Brown Red Yellow to golden-yellow to orange White to cream Pale yellow Pale brown Darkens after prolonged exposure The wood is described as very attractive, with a golden yellow cast and a clear grain, and is similar in appearance to Primavera (Cybistax=Tabebuia donnell-smithii ). Sapwood Color Brown Red Same as heartwood Color not distinct from heartwood Though the sapwood is occasionally marked by staining fungi, there is little or no distinction between sapwood and heartwood. Grain Figure Interlocked Distinct (figure) Wavy Straight Mottled (figure) Closed Even Interlocked Wavy Straight Distinct figure Mottled figure Distinct and very fine figure Wavy or irregularly interlocked grain produces a highly attractive figures such as, striped, mottled, and curled. The wood is also reported to have what is described as a robe grain. Figured material is very popular for quarter cut decorative veneers, and plain, straight-grained wood is generally favored for plywood and high class joinery Texture Fine Medium Fine to medium Texture has been compared to that of mahogany. Luster Lustrous Pronounced High The wood has a high natural luster which has also been compared to that of the mahoganies. Natural Growth Defects Brittleheart is often frequent and extensive Gum and mineral deposits The wood may contain some brittleheart and interior gall pockets. Natural Durability Non durable Heartwood is susceptible to wood staining fungal attack Perishable Susceptible to attack from termites (Isoptera) Resistant to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles Susceptible to marine borer attack Susceptible to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles Susceptible to attack by pinhole borers Susceptible to attack by marine borers Susceptible to attack by blue stain fungi and termites Sapwood is susceptible to wood staining fungal attack Pinworms (ambrosia beetles) are commonly present Moderately resistant to termite (Isoptera) attack Moderately resistant to attack by termites Heartwood has low resistance to attack by fungi and other wood destroying insects Odor No specific smell or taste Light-Induced Color Change Darker Toxicity Dermatitic effects Unspecified toxicity Irritant substances in the wood have been associated with nose bleeding, dermatitis, and internal bleeding in some individuals. Kiln Schedules Drying (speed) is fast UK=E US=T6D2/T3D1 Fr=5 T6 - D2 (4/4); T3 - D1 (8/4) US Schedule E (4/4) United Kingdom Kiln Drying Rate (in days) is fairly rapid Drying Defects Slight twist/warp Slight cupping Moderate twist/warp Moderate end spitting May warp, cup and split if not dried carefully Existing shakes may open up Slight end splitting Existing shakes or end-checks are liable to extend, and splits may also occur in and around knots Ease of Drying Easy Use care to avoid degrade Dries easily and rapidly Difficult Kiln Drying Rate Fairly rapid (11-17 days for boards under 32 mm, to 31-51 days for boards greater than 63 mm) Tree Identification Bole/stem form is misshapen Bole/stem form is fluted Bole/stem form is not buttressed Bole/stem form is buttressed Tree Size Tree height is 20-30 m Product Sources The ITTO reports that timber from this species is produced regularly but in low quantities and is exported regularly. The material is exported from the Ivory Coast to the world market in log form. Quantities are low and price is usually in the moderate range. The price of Avodire varies with grade and type of grain in the veneer. Avodire veneer of architectural grade is in the moderate price range. Comments General finishing qualities are rated as good Blunting Effect Blunting effect on machining is slight Slight dulling effect on cutting tools Blunting effect on machining is moderate Boring Moderately easy Interlocked and wavy grain may interfere with boring, but the material works fairly well with ordinary machine tools Carving Easy to carve Slight dulling effect on cutting edges Cutting Resistance Saws well Low resistance to cutting Gluing Easy to glue Good gluing properties Mortising Responds well to machine tools in mortising operations Sight blunting effect on cutting edges Moulding A French head is recommended for better results in moulding operations Movement in Service Small Very stable after seasoning Nailing Difficult to nail Easy to nail Possible if prebored Pre-boring recommended Holds nails well Planing Special attention required Responds well to most ordinary tools in machining operations Planes to a poor finish Difficult to plane A reduced cutting angle of 20 degrees or less is recommended to prevent interlocked grain from picking up in planing operations Resistance to Impregnation Heartwood is extremely resistant Sapwood is permeable Heartwood is resistant Heartwood is permeable Heartwood is moderately resistant Response to Hand Tools Easy to machine Variable qualities Slight dulling effect on cutting edges Responds well to hand tools Moderate working qualities The timber usually has interlocked or wavy grain Routing & Recessing Good in both routing and recessing. Sanding Good sanding properties Screwing Screwing yields good results Good screwing properties Easy to screw Turning Special attention required Material containing interlocked or wavy grain may require a reduced cutting angle of 15 degrees for smooth, finished surfaces Veneering Qualities Easy to cut Steam Bending Very poor Variable steam bending qualities Poor Painting Good results Painting qualities are good, but quartersawn surfaces may be uneven. Polishing Satisfactory results Good results Yields a shiny surface Staining Poor results Finish is generally satisfactory Stains well Finish is generally good There may be some unevenness on quartersawn surfaces. Strength Properties Max. crushing strength = medium Shrinkage, Tangential = small Density (dry weight) = 31-37 lbs/cu. ft. Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = very low Bending strength (MOR) = low Shrinkage, Radial = very small Bending strength (MOR) = medium Shrinkage, Radial = small Hardness (side grain) = medium Bending strength (MOR) = high Toughness-Hammer drop (Impact Strength) = low Shrinkage, Tangential = moderate Shrinkage, Radial = moderate Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = very high Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = high Hardness (side grain) = soft Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = low Max. crushing strength = high Work to Maximum Load = very low Shrinkage, Tangential = fairly large Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = very low Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = medium Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = medium Density (dry weight) = 38-45 lbs/cu. ft. Density (dry weight) = 23-30 lbs/cu. ft. Bending strength (MOR) = very high Avodire exhibits similar machining characteristics to those of the mahoganies since they are in the same botanical family. It is also reported to have almost the same strength properties as English oak (Quercus ), although it is about 15 percent lighter. The wood is slightly better to work with than Primavera. It is rated as medium in crushing and bending strengths, and low in shock resistance and stiffness. Hardness is rated as medium, weight is about average, and it has high density. Timber produced by the species is often mixed and marketed with that ofTurreanthus vignei . Numerical Data Item Green Dry English Bending Strength 9351 13712 psi Density 34 lbs/ft3 Hardness 1250 lbs Impact Strength 26 inches Maximum Crushing Strength 4289 7065 psi Shearing Strength 2403 psi Stiffness 1119 1413 1000 psi Work to Maximum Load 5 8 inch-lbs/in3 Specific Gravity 0.47 0.53 Weight 36 32 lbs/ft3 Radial Shrinkage 4 % Tangential Shrinkage 6 % Volumetric Shrinkage 12 % Item Green Dry Metric Bending Strength 657 964 kg/cm2 Density 544 kg/m3 Hardness 567 kg Impact Strength 65 cm Maximum Crushing Strength 301 496 kg/cm2 Shearing Strength 168 kg/cm2 Stiffness 78 99 1000 kg/cm2 Work to Maximum Load 0.35 0.56 cm-kg/cm3 Specific Gravity 0.47 0.53 Weight 576 512 kg/m3 Radial Shrinkage 4 % Tangential Shrinkage 6 % References Armstrong, F.H.,1960,The Strength Properties of Timber,Forest Products Research Laboratory, London Bulletin,No.45 Banks, C.H., Schoeman, J.P., Otto, K.P.,1977,The Mechanical Properties of Timbers with particular reference to South,Africa,South African Forestry Research Institute Bulletin,(Ed.,Schoeman, J.P. 1973 & Otto K.P. 1976,No.48 Banks, C.H.,1954,The Mechanical Properties of Timbers with Particular Reference to those,grown in the Union of South Africa,Journal of the South African Forestry Association,No. 24 pp.44-65,[South,African Forestry Journal] Bentum, A.L.K.,1968,Properties of Ghanian Timbers - Avodire,Ghana Forest Products Research Institute Technical Newsletter,2(1,pp13-4 Bois et Forets des Tropiques,1956,Avodire (Turraeanthus africana,Bois et Forets des Tropiques,No.49, pp19-22 Bois et Forets des Tropiques,1976,Moabi (Baillonella toxisperma,Bois et Forets Tropiques,n0.169, pp37-49 Bolza, E., Keating, W.G.,1972,African Timbers - the Properties, Uses and Characteristics of 700 Species,C.S.I.R.O. Div. of Building Research Boone, R. S., C. J. Kozlik, P. J. Bois, E. M. Wengert. 1988. Dry Kiln Schedules for Commercial Woods - Temperate and Tropical. USDA., Forest Service, Preliminary Copy, Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, Wisconsin. Brown, W.H.,1969,Properties and uses of Tropical hardwoods in the United Kingdom. Part 1,Nonstructural properties and uses.,Conference on Tropical hardwoods SC-5/TN-5, Syracuse University Brown, W.H.,1978,Timbers of the World No.1 Africa,TRADA, Red Booklet Series Chudnoff, M.,1984,Tropical Timbers of the World,U.S.A. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products,Laboratory, Madison. Cox, H.A.,1939,A Handbook of Empire Timbers,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough Edlin, H.L. 1969. What Wood is That?: A Manual of Wood Identification. A Studio Book, The Viking Press, New York. Erfurth, T., Rusche, H.,1976,The Marketing of Tropical Wood A. Wood Species from African Moist Forests,F.A.O. Forestry Department Farmer, R.H.,1972,Handbook of Hardwoods,HMSO Forest Products Research Laboratory, U.K.,1950,The Seasoning Properties of Exotic Timbers,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough, Department of,Science and Industrial Research Leaflet,No.44 and supplements 1 & 2 Forest Products Research Laboratory, U.K.,1955,Kiln-Drying Schedules,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough, Department of,Science and Industrial Research, Building Research Establishment Leaflet,No.42 Forests Products Research Laboratory, U.K.,1956,A Handbook of Hardwoods,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough, Department of,Science and Industrial Research, Building Research Establishment Fortin, Y., Poliquin, J.,1976,Natural Durability and Preservation of 100 Tropical African Woods,International Development Research Centre, Canada Fouarge, J.,1953,Bois du Congo,I.N.E.A.C. France - C.T.F.T.,1966,Bois Tropicaux,C.T.F.T. Publ.,12 Ghana - Timber Marketing Board,1969,Ghana Hardwoods,Timber Marketing Board Harrar, E.S.,1942,Some Physical Properties of Modern Cabinet Woods 3. Directional and Volume,Shrinkage,Tropical Woods,9(71, pp26-32 HMSO. 1981. Handbook of Hardwoods, 2nd Edition. Revised by R. H. Farmer. Department of the Environment, Building Research Establishment, Princes Risborough Laboratory, Princes Risborough, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. Hughes, J.F.,1971,The Principal Timber Trees of Cameroon,Unpublished data Irvine, F.R.,1961,Woody Plants of Ghana,O.U.P. London ITTO. 1986. Tropical Timber Atlas, Volume 1 - Africa. International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) and Centre Technique Forestier Tropical (CTFT, 45bis, Avenue