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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. Common Names Common Uses Countries of Distribution Family Name Grain Heartwood Color Natural Durability Numerical Data Painting Polishing References Regions of Distribution Response to Hand Tools Sapwood Color Scientific Name Strength Properties Texture Trade Name Tree Identification Tree Size Varnishing Scientific Name Premna maxima Trade Name Muchichio Family Name Verbenaceae Common Names Muchichio Regions of Distribution Africa Countries of Distribution  [VIEW MAP] Kenya Common Uses Agricultural implements, Boat building (general), Boxes and crates, Cabinetmaking, Food containers, Furniture, Heavy construction, Joinery, Light construction, Millwork, Mine timbers, Piling, Plywood, Toys, Turnery, Vats, Veneer Heartwood Color Red Brown Greenish to greyish Brown Sapwood Color Red Grain Straight Even Straight Texture Fine Medium Natural Durability Perishable Non-durable Susceptible to insect attack Moderately durable Resistant to powder post beetles Durable Resistant to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles Tree Identification Bole/stem form is misshapen Bole/stem form is fluted Tree Size Tree height is 20-30 m Tree height is 10-20 m Response to Hand Tools Easy to machine Painting Satisfactory results Polishing Satisfactory results Varnishing Satisfactory Strength Properties Density (dry weight) = 38-45 lbs/cu. ft. Max. crushing strength = medium Density (dry weight) = 46-52 lbs/cu. ft. Hardness (side grain) = soft Density (dry weight) = 31-37 lbs/cu. ft. Bending strength (MOR) = low Shrinkage, Tangential = very small Shrinkage, Radial = very small Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = very low Shrinkage, Tangential = small Shrinkage, Radial = small Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = very low Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = low Bending strength (MOR) = very low Bending strength (MOR) = medium Numerical Data Item Green Dry English Bending Strength 6044 9424 psi Density 40 lbs/ft3 Hardness 995 lbs Maximum Crushing Strength 3916 6397 psi Shearing Strength 1221 psi Stiffness 1017 1199 1000 psi Weight 39 31 lbs/ft3 Radial Shrinkage 2 % Tangential Shrinkage 5 % Item Green Dry Metric Bending Strength 424 662 kg/cm2 Density 641 kg/m3 Hardness 451 kg Maximum Crushing Strength 275 449 kg/cm2 Shearing Strength 85 kg/cm2 Stiffness 71 84 1000 kg/cm2 Weight 624 496 kg/m3 Radial Shrinkage 2 % References 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 Dale, I.R., Greenway, P.J.,1961,Kenya Trees and Shrubs,Buchanans Kenya Estates Ltd. Nairobi Hatchards London Kenya Forest Department,1941,Strengths of Kenya timbers,Kenya Forest Department Bulletin No. 36 Patterson, D.N.,1963,The strength of Kenya timbers, their derivation and application,Kenya Forestry Department Research Bulletin,No.23 Wimbush, S.H.,1950,Catalogue of Kenya Timbers,Govt. Printer Nairobi Kenya