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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 Common Uses Countries of Distribution Cutting Resistance Drying Defects Ease of Drying Family Name Gluing Grain Heartwood Color Kiln Schedules Luster Nailing Natural Durability Natural Growth Defects Numerical Data Planing References Regions of Distribution Resistance to Impregnation Resistance to Splitting Response to Hand Tools Sapwood Color Scientific Name Strength Properties Texture Trade Name Tree Size Turning Varnishing Scientific Name Ochna arborea Trade Name Cape plane Family Name Ochnaceae Common Names Cape plane, Intensema, Rooihout Regions of Distribution Africa Countries of Distribution  [VIEW MAP] South Africa, Zimbabwe Common Uses Boxes and crates, Carvings, Furniture, Posts, Tool handles, Toys, Turnery, Vehicle parts, Walking sticks Heartwood Color Red White Purple Brown Dark brown Sapwood Color Red White Same as heartwood Grain Even Crossed Weak (figure) Figure Straight Spiral Interlocked Weak figure Straight Spiral Interlocked Texture Coarse Fine Luster Low Natural Growth Defects Gum and mineral deposits Natural Durability Moderately durable Very durable Resistant to attack from termites (Isoptera) Non durable Kiln Schedules Dry at a slow speed Drying Defects Moderate twist/warp Moderate surface checking Moderate end spitting Ease of Drying Easy Tree Size Tree height is 20-30 m Tree height is 30-40 m Trunk diameter is 100-150 cm Comments General finishing qualities are rated as good Cutting Resistance Cutting Resistance with dry wood is easy Cutting Resistance with dry wood is difficult Gluing Easy to glue Nailing Possible if prebored Planing Planes well, to a good finish Resistance to Impregnation Heartwood is extremely resistant Resistance to Splitting Very Poor Response to Hand Tools Easy to Work Turning Easy to turn Varnishing Good results Strength Properties Density (dry weight) = 61-67 lbs/cu. ft Density (dry weight) = 53-60 lbs/cu. ft Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = high Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = low Max. crushing strength = high Hardness (side grain) = very hard Bending strength (MOR) = high Numerical Data Item Green Dry English Bending Strength 13576 20956 psi Density 60 lbs/ft3 Hardness 2940 lbs Maximum Crushing Strength 6899 9945 psi Shearing Strength 2847 psi Stiffness 1358 1568 1000 psi Weight 59 47 lbs/ft3 Item Green Dry Metric Bending Strength 954 1473 kg/cm2 Density 961 kg/m3 Hardness 1333 kg Maximum Crushing Strength 485 699 kg/cm2 Shearing Strength 200 kg/cm2 Stiffness 95 110 1000 kg/cm2 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 Banks, C.H.,1970,The Durability of South African Wood and Wood Base Building Materials,South African Forestry Journal,No.75 Chalk, L. et al.,1935,Fifteen South African High Forest Timber Trees,Forest Trees and Timbers of the British Empire, Imperial Forestry,Institute, Oxford,Part 3 Goldsmith, B., Carter, D.T.,1981,The Indigenous Timbers of Zimbabwe,Forestry Commission, Zimbabwe Research Bulletin No.9 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