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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. Blunting Effect Common Names Common Uses Countries of Distribution Cutting Resistance Drying Defects Ease of Drying Family Name Gluing Grain Heartwood Color Kiln Schedules Nailing Natural Durability Numerical Data Planing Polishing References Regions of Distribution Resistance to Impregnation Response to Hand Tools Sapwood Color Scientific Name Staining Strength Properties Texture Trade Name Tree Identification Tree Size Turning Varnishing Scientific Name Kirkia acuminata Trade Name Bastard marula Family Name Simaroubaceae Common Names Bastard marula, Mtumbwi, Mubvumira, Mulemba, Mulembalemba, Musanta, Mutsakatidze, Mutuva, Muzumbu, Muzumina, Muzunge, Mzumba, Sandkiaat, Umvumila, Vumaila, White syringa, Witsering Regions of Distribution Africa Countries of Distribution  [VIEW MAP] Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe Common Uses Agricultural implements, Boxes and crates, Cabinetmaking, Carvings, Cooperages, Flooring, Furniture, Joinery, Light construction, Matches, Paneling, Particleboard, Plywood corestock, Plywood, Poles, Pulp/Paper products, Turnery, Vats, Vehicle parts, Veneer, Veneer: decorative, Wheel spokes, Wheels Heartwood Color White Yellow Orange Pale brown Brown Greenish to greyish Dark brown Sapwood Color Yellow White White to yellow Grain Figure Distinct (figure) Straight Interlocked Even Mottled (figure) Straight Distinct figure Interlocked Mottled figure Texture Medium Fine Fine Fine to medium Coarse Natural Durability Non-resistant to termites Susceptible to insect attack Moderately durable Non durable Susceptible to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles Perishable Moderately resistant to termite (Isoptera) attack Kiln Schedules Dry at a slow speed Drying Defects Moderate surface checking Moderate end spitting Ease of Drying Variable results. Moderate Difficult Tree Identification Bole/stem form is buttressed Tree Size Tree height is 30-40 m Tree height is 20-30 m Bole length is 20-30 m Tree height is 40-50 m Blunting Effect Blunting effect on machining is fairly severe Blunting effect on machining is severe Cutting Resistance Easy to saw Cutting Resistance with dry wood is easy Cutting Resistance with green wood is easy Gluing Easy to glue Nailing Easy to nail Planing Easy to plane Planes well, to a good finish Resistance to Impregnation Heartwood is resistant Sapwood is moderately resistant Response to Hand Tools Easy to Work Easy to machine Turning Easy to turn Good results Polishing Good results Satisfactory results Staining Fair to Good Results Varnishing Good results Strength Properties Density (dry weight) = 38-45 lbs/cu. ft. Density (dry weight) = 31-37 lbs/cu. ft. Shrinkage, Radial = very small Shrinkage, Tangential = very small Shrinkage, Tangential = small Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = low Shrinkage, Radial = small Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = very low Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = low Max. crushing strength = medium Max. crushing strength = low Hardness (side grain) = soft Bending strength (MOR) = medium Bending strength (MOR) = low Numerical Data Item Green Dry English Bending Strength 7711 12078 psi Density 36 lbs/ft3 Hardness 995 lbs Maximum Crushing Strength 3027 5157 psi Shearing Strength 1560 psi Stiffness 1188 1383 1000 psi Weight 35 28 lbs/ft3 Radial Shrinkage 2 % Tangential Shrinkage 5 % Item Green Dry Metric Bending Strength 542 849 kg/cm2 Density 576 kg/m3 Hardness 451 kg Maximum Crushing Strength 212 362 kg/cm2 Shearing Strength 109 kg/cm2 Stiffness 83 97 1000 kg/cm2 Weight 560 448 kg/m3 Radial Shrinkage 2 % References 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 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 Fanshawe, D.B.,1962,Fifty Common Trees of Northern Rhodesia,Natural Resources Board and Forestry Department, Ndola Goldsmith, B., Carter, D.T.,1981,The Indigenous Timbers of Zimbabwe,Forestry Commission, Zimbabwe Research Bulletin No.9 Pardy, A.A.,1952,Notes on Indigenous Trees and Shrubs of S. Rhodesia - Kirkia acuminata,Ministry of Agriculture and Lands S. Rhodesia,Bulletin,No.1653 Scott, M.H.,1935,Weights of South African Growth Timbers,South African Department of Agriculture and Forestry Bulletin,No.145,Forest Products Institute, Forestry Series No.1 Scott, M.H.,1950,Notes on the more Important African Timbers Imported into the Union with,Special Ref. to Port. E.A. Species,Journal of the South African Forestry Association,No.19,pp18-62,[South,African Forestry Journal] Storrs, A.E.G.,1979,Know your Trees - Some of the Common Trees found in Zambia,Zambia Forestry Department, Ndola White, F.,1962,Forest Flora of Northern Rhodesia,O.U.P. London Zambia Forest Department,1979,Timbers of Zambia Khaya nyasica and Kirkia acuminata,Zambia Forest Department, Division of Forest Products Research Technical,Note