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Blunting Effect
Boring
Comments
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
Movement in Service
Nailing
Natural Durability
Numerical Data
Odor
Planing
Polishing
References
Regions of Distribution
Resistance to Impregnation
Resistance to Splitting
Response to Hand Tools
Sapwood Color
Scientific Name
Screwing
Staining
Steam Bending
Strength Properties
Synonyms
Texture
Trade Name
Tree Identification
Tree Size
Veneering Qualities

Scientific Name
Combretodendron macrocarpum

Trade Name
Esia

Family Name
Lecythidaceae

Synonyms
Petersia africana, Petersia minor, Petersia viridifora, Petersianthus africanus, Combretodendron africanum, Combretodendron macrocarpum, Combretodendron viridiflorum, Combretum macrocarpum


Wood Image 1

Common Names
Abale, Abin, Abine, Abing, Akusun, Angweshi, Awewe, Bayombi, Bine, Bosaki, Bossoho, Boto, Busheki, Dekolambunda, Esia, Esia-kokobin, Esiapi, Essia, Kapuku mutshi, Kochibibi, Kpa, Minzu, Miuza, Mubuabua, Mubwabwa, Nfunzo, Nonong, Okpoha, Osa, Oto, Owewe, Oze, Pen, Soap tree, Stinkwood tree, Tu-tue, Tufei, Tuntue, Tutwo, Vulo, welo

Regions of Distribution
Africa

Countries of Distribution  [VIEW MAP]
Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Togo, Zaire

Common Uses
Agricultural implements, Boat building (general), Building construction, Building materials, Cabin construction, Cabinetmaking, Canoes, Construction, Core Stock, Crossties, Decorative veneer, Factory construction, Figured veneer, Flooring, Fuelwood, Furniture, Heavy construction, Joinery, Light construction, Millwork, Mine timbers, Plain veneer, Plywood, Poles, Posts, Railroad ties, Sporting Goods, Tool handles, Turnery, Vehicle parts, Veneer, Veneer: decorative

Environmental Profile
Status has not been officially assessed


Distribution Overview
Throughout tropical West Africa, fairly common in wet forest areas, infrequent in the dry high forests.

Heartwood Color
Yellow
Brown
Orange
Black
Green/grey
Red
Reddish brown
Pale red to pink
Dark brown
Red
Contains dark streaks
Brown


Sapwood Color
White
Yellow
Brown
Red
Green/Grey
White to yellow
Well defined


Grain
Interlocked
Straight
Figure
Distinct (figure)
Closed
Even
Wavy
Growth rings (figure)
Mottled (figure)
Rays (figure)
Stripe (figure)

Interlocked
Straight
Distinct figure
Wavy
Striped figure
Rays figure
Mottled figure
Generally straight, but not always
Clear growth rings (figure)


Texture
Coarse
Medium
Coarse
Medium
Medium to coarse
Fine
Fine to medium


Luster
Low
Dull


Natural Durability
Non-durable
Moderately durable
Perishable
Susceptible to insect attack
Non-resistant to marine borers
Resistant to powder post beetles
Resistant to attack from termites (Isoptera)
Durable
Pinworms (ambrosia beetles) are commonly present
Moderately resistant to termite (Isoptera) attack
Moderately durable
Susceptible to marine borer attack
Sapwood is susceptible to wood staining fungal attack
Resistant to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles
Susceptible to attack from termites (Isoptera)
Susceptible to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles
Pinworms (ambrosia beetles) often present in the standing tree
Pinworms (ambrosia beetles) may be present in the felled log
Non durable
Naturally resistant
Moderately resistant to attack by termites
Moderate weathering properties


Odor
Odor disappears upon drying
May have a slightly disagreeable smell when green


Kiln Schedules
Dry at a slow speed
Kiln Drying Rate (in days) is slow
UK=C US=T3C2/T3C1 Fr=3
T2 - C2 (4/4) US


Drying Defects
Severe end splitting
Moderate end spitting
Moderate collapse and honeycombing
Severe twisting/warping
Moderate twist/warp
Moderate surface checking
Slight twist/warp
Severe surface checking
Severe cupping
Severe collapse and honeycomb
Moderate cupping


Ease of Drying
Fairly Easy
Difficult
Variable results.


Kiln Drying Rate
Slow (18-28 days for boards < 32 mm, to 52-84 days for boards >= 63 mm)


Tree Identification
Bole/stem form is straight
Bole/stem form is not buttressed
Bole/stem form is cylindrical
Bole/stem form is buttressed
Bole/stem form is unknown
Bole/stem form is fluted


Tree Size
Tree height is 10-20 m
Trunk diameter is 100-150 cm


Comments
General finishing qualities are rated as good

Blunting Effect
Blunting effect on machining is moderate
Medium effect
Blunting effect on machining is fairly severe


Boring
Difficult
Very difficult
Tendency to char


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

Fine sawdust produced from rip sawing may adhere to blades and cause them to overheat. Heavier than normal saws with a small pitch are recommended.

Gluing
Easy to glue
Satisfactory gluing properties


Movement in Service
Large


Nailing
Difficult to nail
Pre-boring recommended
Easy to nail


Planing
Planes well, to a good finish
Easy to plane
Difficult to plane
Reduction of cutting angle recommended


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


Resistance to Splitting
Poor


Response to Hand Tools
Easy to Work
Difficult to machine
Moderate working qualities
Variable qualities
Easy to machine


Screwing
Pre-boring recommended


Veneering Qualities
Diifficult to veneer


Steam Bending
Very poor
Poor


Polishing
Very Good to Excellent Results
Fair to Good Results
Satisfactory results
Good results
Requires a filler


Staining
Finish is generally good
Stains well after surface treatment
Finish is generally satisfactory


Strength Properties
Bending strength (MOR) = high
Shrinkage, Tangential = large
Max. crushing strength = high
Shrinkage, Volumetric = large
Shrinkage, Radial = large
Max. crushing strength = medium
Density (dry weight) = 53-60 lbs/cu. ft.
Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = high
Density (dry weight) = 46-52 lbs/cu. ft.
Shrinkage, Radial = fairly large
Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = medium
Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = low
Hardness (side grain) = soft
Shrinkage, Volumetric = fairly large
Shrinkage, Radial = moderate
Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = medium
Hardness (side grain) = medium
Hardness (side grain) = hard
Bending strength (MOR) = medium
Toughness-Hammer drop (Impact Strength) = medium
Shrinkage, Tangential = fairly large
Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = low
Bending strength (MOR) = very high
Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = very low
Density (dry weight) = 38-45 lbs/cu. ft.
Very heavy
Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = very low
Resists denting and marring
Density = high
Density (dry weight) = 61-67 lbs/cu. ft.
Density (dry weight) = 31-37 lbs/cu. ft.
Compression strength (parallel to grain) = very high
Bending strength (MOR) = low


Numerical Data
ItemGreenDryEnglish
Bending Strength1308219607psi
Density51lbs/ft3
Hardness1909lbs
Impact Strength40inches
Maximum Crushing Strength57399281psi
Shearing Strength2032psi
Static Bending8702psi
Stiffness167519691000 psi
Toughness236inch-lbs
Specific Gravity0.640.72
Weight4939lbs/ft3
Radial Shrinkage5%
Tangential Shrinkage9%
Volumetric Shrinkage14%
ItemGreenDryMetric
Bending Strength9191378kg/cm2
Density817kg/m3
Hardness865kg
Impact Strength101cm
Maximum Crushing Strength403652kg/cm2
Shearing Strength142kg/cm2
Static Bending611kg/cm2
Stiffness1171381000 kg/cm2
Toughness271cm-kg
Specific Gravity0.640.72
Weight785624kg/m3
Radial Shrinkage5%
Tangential Shrinkage9%

References
Armstrong, F.H.,1960,The Strength Properties of Timber,Forest Products Research Laboratory, London Bulletin,No.45

Banks, C.H. and J.P. Schoeman. 1963. Railway Sleeper and Crossing Timbers. Bulletin No. 41, Republic of South Africa. The Government Printer, Pretoria, South Africa.

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

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

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

Forest Products Research Laboratory, U.K.,1951,Essia (Combretodendron africanum,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough, Timber Leaflet

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

Fortin, Y., Poliquin, J.,1976,Natural Durability and Preservation of 100 Tropical African Woods,International Development Research Centre, Canada

Fouarge, J., Gerard, G.,1964,Bois du Mayumbe,I.N.E.A.C. Belguim

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.,1961,Resultats des Observatioms et des Essais Effectues au C.T.F.T. sur Essia,C.T.F.T. Information Technique,No.111

France - C.T.F.T.,1966,Bois Tropicaux,C.T.F.T. Publ.,12

Freitas, M.C.P.G. de,1961,Madeiras de Angola Series 1,Reprint from Garcia de Orta Lisbon,9(4,pp699-711

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

Hedin, L.,1930,Etude sur la Foret et les Bois du Cameroun,Haut-Commissaire de la Cameroun

HMSO. 1972. Handbook of Hardwoods. 2nd Edition. Revised by R.H. Farmer. Department of the Environment, Building Research Establishment, Princes Risborough Laboratory, Princes Risborough, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.

I.U.F.R.O.,1973,Veneer Species of the World,Assembled at F.P.L. Madison on behalf of I.U.F.R.O. Working Party on,Slicing and Veneer Cutting

Irvine, F.R.,1961,Woody Plants of Ghana,O.U.P. London

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

Kryn, J.M., Forbes, E.W.,1959,The Woods of Liberia,U.S.A. Department of Agriculture,Forest Products Laboratory, Madison,,Report No. 2159

Lavers, G. M. 1966. The Strength Properties of Timbers. Forest Products Research Bulletin, No. 50. Ministry of Technology, Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London.

Lavers, G.M.,1983,The Strength Properties of Timber (3rd ed. revised Moore G.L.,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough, Building Research,Establishment Report (formerly Bulletin No.50)

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

Lincoln, W. A. 1986. World Woods in Color. Linden Publishing Co. Inc., Fresno, California.

Patterson, D.,1988,Commercial Timbers of the World, 5th Edition,Gower Technical Press

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

Rendle, B.J.,1969,World Timbers (3 Vols.,Ernest Benn Ltd. London

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

Savill, P.S., Fox, J.E.D.,1967,Trees of Sierra Leone

Spalt, H.A., Stern, W.L.,1959,Survey of Africa Woods 4,Tropical Woods 17(110) pp42-115

Takahashi, A.,1978,Compilation of Data on the Mechanical Properties of Foreign Woods (Part,III) Africa,Shimane University, Japan, Research Report on Foreign Wood No. 7

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

Voorhoeve, A.G.,1965,Liberian High Forest Trees,Centre for Agric. Publishing and Documentation, Wageningen









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