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Blunting Effect
Boring
Carving
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
Luster
Mortising
Moulding
Movement in Service
Nailing
Natural Durability
Numerical Data
Odor
Planing
Polishing
Product Sources
References
Regions of Distribution
Resistance to Impregnation
Response to Hand Tools
Routing & Recessing
Sanding
Sapwood Color
Scientific Name
Screwing
Silica Content
Staining
Steam Bending
Strength Properties
Substitutes
Synonyms
Texture
Toxicity
Trade Name
Tree Identification
Tree Size
Turning
Veneering Qualities

Scientific Name
Celtis mildbraedii

Trade Name
African celtis

Family Name
Ulmaceae

Synonyms
Celtis usambarensis


Wood Image 1

Wood Image 1

Common Names
African celtis, Akpula, Asan, Atako, Ba, Bolunde, Bolwe, Busoga, Celtis, Esa, Esa-fufu, Esa-kokoo, Esa-pa, Gombe, Gombi, Isa, Isa fufuo, Ita, Ita gidi, Ita-gangan, Ita-ita, Itako, Kabaranga, Kalulu, Kayombo, Kiambo, Killiakamba, Lufugo, Luniumbo, Luniumbu, Mengo, Mgua, Mudengwa, Mukokukoma, Mukomakoma, Namanuka, Odu, Odu elias, Ohia, Ohia noleghe, Ohianameme, Omoin, Shiunza, Tongo, Uta, Yisa

Regions of Distribution
Africa

Countries of Distribution  [VIEW MAP]
Angola, Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zaire

Common Uses
Agricultural implements, Boat building (general), Boxes and crates, Building construction, Building materials, Domestic flooring, Flooring, Form work, Fuelwood, Furniture , Furniture, Heavy construction, Hockey sticks, Interior construction, Joinery, Light construction, Millwork, Mine timbers, Moldings, Particleboard, Plywood, Poles, Posts, Railroad ties, Skis, Sporting Goods, Stairworks, Tool handles, Turnery, Vehicle parts, Veneer, Veneer: decorative

Environmental Profile
The environmental status of this species within its natural growth range has not been officially assessed

Distribution Overview
Throughout much of tropical Africa from the Ivory Coast to Sudan, then south to Angola and Tanzania. Tends to grow in the semi-deciduous, moist, dense forests and transition zones.

Heartwood Color
Brown
Red
Pink
Yellow
Purple
Green/grey
White to cream
Yellow to golden-yellow to orange
Greenish to greyish
Pale brown

Freshly-Cut wood yellowish-white to light beige in color, but it turns to greyish beige upon exposure. Discoloration by fungi is a common feature.

Sapwood Color
Red
Brown
Yellow
Same as heartwood
White to yellow


Grain
Figure
Other (figure)
Interlocked
Straight
Even
Distinct (figure)
Irregular

Other figure
Interlocked
Straight
Distinct figure
Irregular
Generally straight, but not always


Texture
Medium
Fine
Even or uniform
Uniform
Fine
Fine to medium
Uniform
Medium


Luster
Lustrous
Pronounced


Natural Durability
Perishable
Non-durable
Non-resistant to powder post beetles
Susceptible to insect attack
The sapwood is susceptible to wood staining fungal attack
Susceptible to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles
Perishable
Susceptible to attack from termites (Isoptera)
Non durable
Pinworms (ambrosia beetles) often present in the standing tree
Pinworms (ambrosia beetles) may be present in the felled log
Pinworms (ambrosia beetles) are commonly present
Susceptible to attack by fungi and termites
Sapwood susceptible to attack by powder post beetles
Felled logs are susceptible to attack by longhorn beetles

The wood is highly vulnerable to fungal staining, and requires immediate preventive measures after sawing

Odor
No specific smell or taste


Silica Content
African celtis is reported to contain silica, but amounts are usually too low (less than 0.05% of ovendry weight) to affect machining operations.

Toxicity
Sawdust can cause irritation in some individuals


Kiln Schedules
Drying (speed) is fast
Kiln Drying Rate (in days) is rather slow
Kiln Drying Rate (in days) is fairly rapid
Dry at a moderate speed


Drying Defects
Distortion
Splitting
Slight end splitting
Moderate end spitting
Slight cupping
Slight twist/warp
Discoloration

Interlocked grain may cause distortion

Ease of Drying
Fairly Easy
Slowly
Rapidly
Reconditioning Treatement
Little degrade
Controlled drying conditions will prevent rapid drying and yield best results.


Kiln Drying Rate
Naturally dries slowly
Naturally dries quickly
Rapid
Naturally dries at a moderate speed
Drying rate is fairly rapid to fast
Slow (18-28 days for boards < 32 mm, to 52-84 days for boards >= 63 mm)
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 buttressed
Bole/stem form is straight
Bole/stem form is cylindrical


Tree Size
Tree height is 40-50 m
Bole length is 20-30 m
Bole length is 10-20 m
Tree height is 50-60 m
Tree height is 60-70 m
Trunk diameter is 100-150 cm
Trunk diameter is 150-200 cm


Product Sources
Primary exporting countries are Ghana and Ivory Coast. Although current production is limited because of low demand, it could be increased substantially since the species is abundant and is widely distributed.

Substitutes
Except for steam bending application, African celtis is suggested as a potential substitute for Ash (Fraxinus). It is also considered to be a good flooring timber that wears smoothly

Blunting Effect
Moderate
Blunting effect on machining is moderate
Blunting effect on machining is slight


Boring
Fairly easy to very easy
Fair to good results


Carving
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy


Cutting Resistance
Easy to saw
Cutting Resistance with dry wood is easy
Cutting Resistance with dry wood is difficult

Resistance to hand feeding in band-sawing and rip-sawing is rather considerable. Break-out at bottom and back of cut is also common during cross-cutting

Gluing
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Fair to Good Results
Easy to glue
Glues well


Mortising
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Fair to Good Results


Moulding
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Fair to Good Results
Very Good to Excellent Results


Movement in Service
Fair to Good Stability - Medium Movement
Unstable with Poor Stability - Large Movement
Medium
Small


Nailing
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Fair to Good Results
Very Good to Excellent Results
Poor to Very Poor Results
Difficult to nail
Pre-boring recommended
Easy to nail


Planing
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy


A reduced cutting angle of 15 degrees is recommended in planing material containing interlocked and irregular grain

Resistance to Impregnation
Resistant sapwood
Resistant heartwood
Heartwood is moderately resistant
Sapwood is permeable


Response to Hand Tools
Easy to Work
Responds Readily
Easy to machine
Variable qualities
Difficult to machine


Routing & Recessing
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy


Sanding
Fair to Good Results
Very Good to Excellent Results


Screwing
Very Good to Excellent Results
Fair to Good Results


Turning
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy


Veneering Qualities
Suitable for peeling
Veneers easily
Veneers moderately easy
There is slight to moderate drying degrade and the potential for buckles and splits

Logs slice and peel readily into veneer after steaming at a temperature of about 185 degrees F (85 degrees C). Satisfactory gluing is accomplished with urea or phenol glue types

Steam Bending
Moderate


Polishing
Fair to Good Results
Very Good to Excellent Results
Satisfactory results
Good results
Excellent results


Staining
Finish is generally satisfactory
Good staining properties
Finish is generally good


Strength Properties
Bending strength (MOR) = high
Max. crushing strength = high
Hardness (side grain) = medium
Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = high
Density (dry weight) = 46-52 lbs/cu. ft.
Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = medium
Shrinkage, Tangential = fairly large
Shrinkage, Volumetric = moderate
Shrinkage, Radial = moderate
Shrinkage, Radial = fairly large
Max. crushing strength = medium
Bending strength (MOR) = medium
Toughness-Hammer drop (Impact Strength) = medium
Shrinkage, Volumetric = fairly large
Shrinkage, Tangential = small
Shrinkage, Tangential = large
Shrinkage, Radial = small
Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = mediun
Hardness (side grain) = soft
Toughness-Hammer drop (Impact Strength) = low
Shrinkage, Radial = large
Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = low
Density (dry weight) = 38-45 lbs/cu. ft.
Toughness-Hammer drop (Impact Strength) = high
Shrinkage, Volumetric = large
Shrinkage, Tangential = moderate
Shrinkage, Radial = very small
Density (dry weight) = 31-37 lbs/cu. ft.
Crushing strength = high
Bending strength (MOR) = low

Strength properties are somewhat higher than those of European beech (Fagus )

Numerical Data
ItemGreenDryEnglish
Bending Strength1234918428psi
Density46lbs/ft3
Hardness1534lbs
Impact Strength38inches
Maximum Crushing Strength61988754psi
Shearing Strength2205psi
Stiffness198422081000 psi
Specific Gravity0.59
Weight4435lbs/ft3
Radial Shrinkage4%
Tangential Shrinkage8%
Volumetric Shrinkage12%
ItemGreenDryMetric
Bending Strength8681295kg/cm2
Density737kg/m3
Hardness695kg
Impact Strength96cm
Maximum Crushing Strength435615kg/cm2
Shearing Strength155kg/cm2
Stiffness1391551000 kg/cm2
Specific Gravity0.59
Weight705560kg/m3
Radial Shrinkage4%
Tangential Shrinkage8%

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

Boone, R.S., C.J. Kozlik, P.J. Bois and E.M. Wengert. 1988. Dry Kiln Schedules for Commercial Woods: Temperate and Tropical. United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, General Technical Report FPL-GTR-57, Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, Wisconsin.

Chudnoff, M.,1984,Tropical Timbers of the World,U.S.A. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products,Laboratory, Madison.

Cox, H.A.,1940,Notes on Empire Timbers,Empire Forestry Journal,19(2, pp242-4

Eggeling, W.J.,1940,Indigenous Trees of Uganda,Govt. Printer Entebbe Uganda

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

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

Fouarge, J.,1970,Essais Physiques,Mecaniques et de Durabilite de Bois de la Republique,Democratique du Congo,I.N.E.A.C. Belgium Serie Technique,No.76

France - C.T.F.T./C.T.B.,1982,Guide pour le Choix des Essences Deroulables-pour la fabrication du,contreplaque,C.T.F.T./C.T.B. France

France - C.T.F.T.,Promotion of Ivory Coast Timbers. New Series (Leaflets,C.T.F.T.

Ghana - Timber Marketing Board,1969,Ghana Hardwoods,Timber Marketing Board

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

Istas, J.R., et al,1959,Etude de quelques Bois Congolais,I.N.E.A.C. Belgium Serie Tec., No.59

ITTO. 1986. Tropical Timber Atlas, Volume 1 - Africa. International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) and Centre Technique Forestier Tropical (CTFT, 45bis, Avenue de la Belle Gabrielle, Nogent-sur-Marne Cedex, France.

ITTO. New Marketable Species in Africa - Celtis. Technical Notes. Prepared by Centre Technique Forestier Tropical (CTFT, Division of CIRAD, 45 bis, Avenue de la Belle Gabrielle, 94736 Nogent-sur-marne Cedex, France.

Jay, B.A.,1968,Timbers of West Africa,TRADA, Red Booklet Series

Keay, R.W.J. 1989. Trees of Nigeria. Revised Version of Nigerian Trees. Clarendon Press, Oxford.

Keay, R.W.J.,1964,Nigerian Trees Vol.2,Nigeria Federal Department of Forest Research, Ibadan

Kennedy, J.D.,1936,Forest Flora of Southern Nigeria,Government Printer Lagos

Kinloch, D., Miller, W.A.,1949,Gold Coast Timbers,Govt. Printer Gold Coast

Kloot, N.H., Bolza, E.,1961,Properties of Timbers Imported into Australia,C.S.I.R.O. Forest Products Division Technological Paper,No.12

Lebacq, L., Dechamps, R.,1967,Contribution a un Inventaire de Forets du Nord-kasai,Musee Royal de L'Afrique Centrale Belgium Annals Series 8 No.5

Palmer, E. and N. Pitman. 1972. Trees of Southern Africa, Volume 1 - Covering All Known Indidenous Species in the Republic of South Africa, South-West Africa, Botswana, Lesotho & Swaziland. A.A. Balkema, Publisher. Cape Town, South Africa.

Patterson, D.N.,1963,The strength of Kenya timbers, their derivation and application,Kenya Forestry Department Research Bulletin,No.23

Pieters, A.,1977,Essences Forestieres du Zaire,R.U.G. Gent Belguim

Sallenave, P.,1955,Proprietes Phyiques et Mecaniques des Bois Tropicaux de l'Union Francaise,C.T.F.T

Sallenave, P.,1964,Proprietes Physiques et Mecaniques des Bois Tropicaux (Premier Supplement,C.T.F.T. Publ.,no.23

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]

Spalt, H.A., Stern, W.L.,1956,Survey of Africa Woods 2,Tropical Woods 16(106) pp65-97

Spalt, H.A., Stern, W.L.,1956,Survey of African woods 1,Tropical Woods,115(105,pp 13-38

Tack, C.H.,1969,Uganda Timbers,Govt. Printer Uganda

Tanzania Forest Department,1961,Timbers of Tanganyika - Brachystegia spiciformis,Tanzania Forest Dept. Util. Sec. Moshi - Timbers of Tanganyika

Taylor, C.J.,1960,Synecology and Silviculture in Ghana,University College of Ghana Thomas Nelson and Sons

Timber Development Association Ltd.,1955,World Timbers (3 Vols.,Timber Development Association Ltd.

Timber Information Assoc. Ltd.,1947,Notes on East African Timbers,TRADA, Timber Information, No.28

Titmuss, F.H.,1965,Commercial Timbers of the World,Technical Press Ltd., London, 3rd edition

Uganda Forest Department,1954,Celtis - Celtis soyauxii,Uganda Forestry Department Timber Leaflet,No.15

Uganda Forest Department,1954,Flooring Timbers,Uganda Forest Department Timber Leaflet,No.17

Uganda Forest Department,1954,The Mechanical Properties of some Ugandan Timbers,Uganda Forest Department Timber Leaflet,No.1

WCMC. 1992. Conservation Status Listing: Trees and Timbers of the World. World Conservation Monitoring Center (WCMC, Plants Program, 219 Huntingdon Road, Cambridge, CB3 ODL, United Kingdom.

Wimbush, S.H.,1950,Catalogue of Kenya Timbers,Govt. Printer Nairobi Kenya









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