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Clicking any heading in the main data area (at right) will scroll the page back to this top position. Use the following links to jump to the associated section in the main data. Comments Common Names Countries of Distribution Family Name Grain Heartwood Color Luster Natural Durability Numerical Data References Regions of Distribution Response to Hand Tools Sapwood Color Scientific Name Strength Properties Synonyms Texture Trade Name Tree Size Scientific Name Bersama abyssinica Trade Name Asununduru Family Name Melianthaceae Synonyms Bersama engleriana, Bersama paullinioides Common Names Asununduru, Bitter bark, Bonde-wa-guli, Bungban, Chereke, Duantu, Jerahkpar, Jondobai, Kipkumetiet, Kofo, Kpandeblokai, Kponde-blokai, Mekundi, Munyahara, Munyahlawa, Munyakawa, Munyakowa, Nintungio, Nyondo-bai, Ohubamba, Samangya, Shirikamabinga, Shiviambinga, Siemba, Yondobai Regions of Distribution Africa Countries of Distribution  [VIEW MAP] Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe Heartwood Color Brown Red Purple Pink Greenish to greyish Brown White to cream Sapwood Color White Brown Yellow Same as heartwood Grain Even Straight Straight Texture Coarse Medium Fine Luster Low Lustrous Natural Durability Perishable Non-durable Non durable Tree Size Sapwood width is 5-10 cm Comments General finishing qualities are rated as good Response to Hand Tools Easy to machine Strength Properties Density (dry weight) = 46-52 lbs/cu. ft. Hardness (side grain) = medium Hardness (side grain) = hard Numerical Data Item Green Dry English Density 47 lbs/ft3 Hardness 1987 lbs Weight 46 37 lbs/ft3 Item Green Dry Metric Density 753 kg/m3 Hardness 901 kg References Cooper, G.P., Record, S.J.,1931,The Evergreen Forests of Liberia,Yale School Forestry Bulletin,31,pp1-153 Dale, I.R., Greenway, P.J.,1961,Kenya Trees and Shrubs,Buchanans Kenya Estates Ltd. Nairobi Hatchards London Dalziel, J.M.,1937,The Useful Plants of West Tropical Africa,Crown Agents for the Colonies Irvine, F.R.,1961,Woody Plants of Ghana,O.U.P. London Keay, R.W.J.,1964,Nigerian Trees Vol.2,Nigeria Federal Department of Forest Research, Ibadan Kryn, J.M., Forbes, E.W.,1959,The Woods of Liberia,U.S.A. Department of Agriculture,Forest Products Laboratory, Madison,,Report No. 2159 Pardy, A.A.,1954,Notes on Indigenous Trees and Shrubs of S. Rhodesia - Bersama abyssinica,Ministry of Agriculture and Lands S. Rhodesia Bulletin,No. 1797 Savill, P.S., Fox, J.E.D.,1967,Trees of Sierra Leone White, F.,1962,Forest Flora of Northern Rhodesia,O.U.P. London