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

Scientific Name
Entandrophragma angolense

Trade Name
Gedu nohor

Family Name
Meliaceae

Synonyms
Entandrophragma rederi, Entandrophragma septentrionale


Wood Image 1

Wood Image 1

Wood Image 1

Wood Image 1

Common Names
Abenbegne, Abeubegne, Acajou tiama, Acuminata, Akuk, Baeko, Baka-biraingui, Bodongo, Brown mahogany tiama, Budongo mahogany, Digbo, Dongomanguila, Dubo, Dukuma, Edinam, Egin-igedu, Entandrophragma mahogany, Esaka, Eyin igedu, Gedu lohor, Gedu noha, Gedu nohor, Ijebu, Ipaki, Jebu mahogany, Kahiguigo, Kalungi, Keguigo, Kikura, Kiluka, Krobra, Lifaki, Livuite, Lokobo, Lukru, Mukusu, Muyovu, Njilei, Ounabo, Penkwa, Tiama, Tiama-tiama, Timbi, Tshimaie tsitoke, Tshimaye blanc, Vovo, Zize-plehi, Zizia

Regions of Distribution
Africa

Countries of Distribution  [VIEW MAP]
Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan, Togo, Uganda, Zaire

Common Uses
Boat building (general), Boxes and crates, Cabinetmaking, Canoes, Carvings, Chairs, Chests, Concealed parts (Furniture), Decorative plywood, Decorative veneer, Desks, Dining-room furniture, Domestic flooring, Dowell pins, Dowells, Drawer sides, Excelsior, Figured veneer, Fine furniture, Floor lamps, Flooring, Furniture , Furniture components, Furniture squares or stock, Furniture, Hatracks, Interior construction, Joinery, Kitchen cabinets, Light construction, Living-room suites, Musical instruments, Office furniture, Paneling, Parquet flooring, Plywood, Radio - stereo - TV cabinets, Rustic furniture, Stair rails, Stairworks, Stools, Stringers, Sub-flooring, Tables , Tables, Turnery, Utility furniture, Vehicle parts, Veneer, Veneer: decorative, Wardrobes

Environmental Profile
Generally secure within most of its natural habitat, but note exceptions.
Data source is World Conservation Monitoring Center

Classified as Endangered in Kenya and Liberia, Rare in Cameroon, and Vulnerable in Ivory Coast and Uganda. It is also currently rated as a Candidate for Assessment in Ghana because it is suspected to be either Extinct, Endangered, Vulnerable, or Rare

Distribution Overview
West, Central, and East Africa (Uganda, Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Zaire); occurs in rain forests, deciduous forests, and transitional formations.  Coppices freely at the pole stage.

Heartwood Color
Red
Purple
Reddish brown
Pale red to pink
Dark brown
Turn reddish brown upon exposure
Purple
Pinkish brown


Sapwood Color
White
Yellow
Pinkish
Well defined
Paler than heartwood
White to yellow
Pale pink
Creamy white


Grain
Interlocked
Figure
Distinct (figure)
Crossed
Rippled (figure)
Stripe (figure)

Interlocked
Distinct figure
Striped figure
Rippled figure
Moderately to severely interlocked
Crossed


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


Luster
Lustrous
Pronounced
Dull


Natural Growth Defects
Large amounts of gum


Natural Durability
Very durable
Durable
Resistant to termites
Susceptible to insect attack
Non-resistant to marine borers
Resistant to powder post beetles
Moderately durable
Susceptible to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles
Susceptible to attack from termites (Isoptera)
Non durable
Pinworms (ambrosia beetles) are commonly present
Susceptible to marine borer attack
Susceptible to pinhole borer
Susceptible to attack by marine borers and termites
Sapwood susceptible to attack by powder post beetles
Moderately resistant to termite (Isoptera) attack
Moderately resistant to decay


Odor
No specific smell or taste


Light-Induced Color Change
Darker


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


Drying Defects
Splitting
Distortion
Severe twisting/warping
Slight surface checking
Moderate twist/warp
Slight end splitting
Moderate cupping
Warping can be expected
Distortion (twist/warp) is likely

Drying must be carried out slowly and mildly to avoid additional defects such as checking and splitting. Timber does not warp excessively in thicker dimensions

Ease of Drying
Slowly
Difficult
Easy
Dries slowly


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


Tree Identification
Bole/stem form is buttressed
Bole/stem form is straight
Bole/stem form is cylindrical


Tree Size
Tree height is 30-40 m
Tree height is 20-30 m
Tree height is 40-50 m


Product Sources
The ITTO reports that timber from this species is produced regularly and is a regular and fairly important export commodity.

Substitutes
Crabwood (Carapa guianensis)

Comments
General finishing qualities are rated as good

Blunting Effect
Blunting effect on machining is moderate
Blunting effect on machining is slight
Blunting effect on sawing dry wood is moderate
Blunting effect on sawing dry wood is severe


Boring
Fair to good results
Fairly easy to very easy
Easy

The wood bores to produce relatively smooth surfaces.

Carving
Good results


Cutting Resistance
Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult to saw
Cutting Resistance with dry wood is easy
Low resistance
Cutting resistance with dry wood is variable

Lighter-Colored wood tends to be woolly and therefore more difficult to saw than darker wood.

Gluing
Easy to glue
Moderate gluing properties
Glues well


Mortising
Difficult to mortise
Finishes well

The wood is reported to mortise cleanly but it has a tendency to char.

Moulding
Difficult to mould
Good finishing results

Interlocked grain tends to cause the wood to tear if cutting angle is not reduced to 15 degrees.

Movement in Service
Small
Medium


Nailing
Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult
Easy to nail
Holds nails well
Satisfactory nailing properties


Planing
Very Good to Excellent Results
Fair to Good Results
Difficult to plane
Easy to plane
Planes well, to a good finish
Planes to a poor finish

A 15 degree cutting angle is reported to give good planing results. Backsawn surfaces are reported to plane readily and finish smoothly, but quartersawn surfaces may pick up considerably in material containing interlocked grain.

Resistance to Impregnation
Heartwood is highly resistant
Sapwood is resistant


Response to Hand Tools
Easy to Work
Fairly Difficult to Difficult to Work
Easy to machine
Responds well

Quartersawn surfaces of material containing interlocked grain may pick up considerably. Darker colored material is relatively easier to work than lighter colored wood.

Routing & Recessing
Very good in both routing and recessing
Routing is easy


Sanding
Yields smooth, clean surfaces
Good sanding finish
Easy to sand


Screwing
Satisfactory characteristics
Easy to screw


Turning
Easy to turn
Good results
Yields smooth, clean surface.
Responds well


Veneering Qualities
Easy to cut
Suitable for slicing
Suitable for peeling


Steam Bending
Poor
Very poor


Painting
Good results


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


Staining
Very Good to Excellent Results
Fair to Good Results
Finish is generally good
Stains well
Stains evenly


Varnishing
Good results


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


Numerical Data
ItemGreenDryEnglish
Bending Strength747512018psi
Density34lbs/ft3
Hardness976lbs
Impact Strength2023inches
Maximum Crushing Strength38766969psi
Shearing Strength1473psi
Stiffness114715331000 psi
Toughness95inch-lbs
Work to Maximum Load67inch-lbs/in3
Specific Gravity0.430.49
Weight3433lbs/ft3
Radial Shrinkage4%
Tangential Shrinkage7%
Volumetric Shrinkage12%
ItemGreenDryMetric
Bending Strength525844kg/cm2
Density544kg/m3
Hardness442kg
Impact Strength5058cm
Maximum Crushing Strength272489kg/cm2
Shearing Strength103kg/cm2
Stiffness801071000 kg/cm2
Toughness109cm-kg
Work to Maximum Load0.420.49cm-kg/cm3
Specific Gravity0.430.49
Weight544528kg/m3
Radial Shrinkage4%
Tangential Shrinkage7%

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

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.,1954,The Mechanical Properties of Timbers with Particular Reference to those,grown in the Union of South Africa,Journal of the South African Forestry Association,No. 24 pp.44-65,[South,African Forestry Journal]

Bodig, J. and B. A. Jayne. 1982. Mechanics of Wood and Wood Composites. Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, New York.

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

Brown, W.H.,1960,Aspects of Timber Seasoning - Properties of the Genus Entandrophragma,Timber Technology 68(2249, pp108 &115

Brown, W.H.,1969,Properties and uses of Tropical hardwoods in the United Kingdom. Part 1,Nonstructural properties and uses.,Conference on Tropical hardwoods SC-5/TN-5, Syracuse University

Brown, W.H.,1978,Timbers of the World No.1 Africa,TRADA, Red Booklet Series

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

Cormio, R.,1939,L'Avicennia marina dell'Oltre Guiba,Lignum,No.5/6,pp125-9

Dalziel, J.M.,1937,The Useful Plants of West Tropical Africa,Crown Agents for the Colonies

Eggeling, W.J., Harris, C.M.,1939,Fifteen Uganda Timbers,Forest Trees and Timbers of the British Empire, Imperial Forestry,Institute, Oxford,Part 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.,1955,Kiln-Drying Schedules,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough, Department of,Science and Industrial Research, Building Research Establishment Leaflet,No.42

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.,1950,Appropriation de Bois Congolais aux Besoins de la Metropole,I.N.E.A.C. Belgium Serie Technique,No.38

Fouarge, J.,1953,Bois du Congo,I.N.E.A.C.

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.,1961,Resultats des Observations et des essais effectues au CTFT sur Tiama,C.T.F.T.,Information Technique, No.110

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

France - C.T.F.T.,1973,Investigations and Tests carried out on Tropical Timber by several,Research Laboratories,CTFT

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.

Into the Woods. 1993. Personal Communication.

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

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.

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

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

Kukachka, B.F.,1970,Properties of Imported Tropical Woods,Forest Research Paper FPL 125

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.

Okigbo, L., Von Wendorff, G.,1964,Some Nigerian Woods (2nd Edition,Federal Ministry of Information Lagos

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.,1938,Commercial Mahoganies and Allied Timbers,Forest Products Research Laboratory, London Bulletin,No 18

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

Revue des Bois et de ses Applications,1956,La Page des Bois Tropicaux - Tiama,Revue des Bois et de ses Applications,11(2, p39

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

Sallenave, P.,1968,Reflexions sur quelques essences tropicales utilisables en menuiserie de,batiment,Bois et Forets des Tropiques,No.121,pp55-66

Sawyerr, J.S.,1960,The Silviculture and Utilization of Terminalia Spp., Entandrophragma Spp.,,Nauclea Spp.,Imperial Forestry Institute, Oxford Thesis

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

Spalt, H.A., Stern, W.L.,1957,Survey of Africa Woods 3,Tropical Woods 16(107) pp92-128

Tack, C.H.,1953,Plywood and veneer species,Forest Department, Uganda. Technical Note 5/1953

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

Tailfer, Y.,1972,Les Acajous de la Foret Dense Zairoise leur Identification Forestiere,Musee Royale de L'Afrique Centrale Sciences Econo

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

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,Endandrophragma Spp.,Uganda Forest Department Timber Leaflet No.14

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

Uganda Forest Department,1969,The Shrinkage of Some Ugandan Timbers,Uganda Forestry Department Timber Leaflet,No.47









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