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Blunting Effect
Boring
Carving
Certified Source
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
Mortising
Moulding
Movement in Service
Nailing
Natural Durability
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
Toxicity
Trade Name
Tree Identification
Tree Size
Turning
Varnishing
Veneering Qualities

Scientific Name
Entandrophragma utile

Trade Name
Utile

Family Name
Meliaceae

Synonyms
Entandrophragma roburoides


Wood Image 1

Wood Image 1

Wood Image 1

Wood Image 1

Common Names
Abebay, Afrobrodiju, Akuk, Asseng assie, Assi, Assie, Bokoi, Budongo heavy mahogany, Efuchyewee, Efuo-konkonti, Efuobrodidwo, Efuodwe, Feather sapele, Kalungi, Kosi-kosi, Liboyo, Libuyu, M'vovo, Mebrou, Mfumbi, Mufumbi, Mufumbi mahogany, Muyovu, Okeong, Sapele mahogany, Sipo, Timbi, Tshimaie n'shibu, Tsimaie tshibu, Undianuno, Utile

Regions of Distribution
Africa

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

Common Uses
Boat building (general), Boat building, Boat building: decking, Boat building: framing, Boxes and crates, Building materials, Cabinetmaking, Canoes, Chairs, Chests, Concealed parts (Furniture), Decorative plywood, Decorative veneer, Desks, Dining-room furniture, Dowell pins, Dowells, Drawer sides, Excelsior, Figured veneer, Fine furniture, Floor lamps, Flooring, Flooring: industrial heavy traffic, Furniture , Furniture components, Furniture squares or stock, Furniture, Hatracks, Heavy construction, Interior construction, Joinery (external): ground contact, Joinery, Kitchen cabinets, Lifeboats, Light construction, Living-room suites, Moldings, Office furniture, Paneling , Paneling, Plywood, Radio - stereo - TV cabinets, Rustic furniture, Shipbuilding, Stair rails, Stairworks, Stools, Stringers, Tables , Tables, Turnery, Utility furniture, Vehicle parts, Veneer, Veneer: decorative, Wainscotting

Environmental Profile
Status unknown in many of its growth areas
Generally secure within most of its natural habitat, but note exceptions.
Data source is World Conservation Monitoring Center

Classified as Endangered in Liberia and Uganda, while its status is rated as Vulnerable in Cameroon and the Ivory Coast

Distribution Overview
Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, DR Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Uganda, in various lowland forest types.

Heartwood Color
Brown
Red
Yellow
Purple
Orange
Reddish brown
Purple
Pale red to pink
Brown
Red
Purplish brown
Pale pink brown


Sapwood Color
White
Yellow
Well defined
Pinkish
Different than heartwood
Light brown
Clearly differentiated from the heartwood

Up to 2 inches (0.50 cm) wide.

Grain
Interlocked
Figure
Distinct (figure)
Stripe (figure)
Rippled (figure)
Growth rings (figure)
Weak (figure)

Interlocked
Distinct figure
Striped figure
Weak figure
Rippled figure
Clear growth rings (figure)

Ribbon figure or a wide, often irregular stripe on quartersawn surfaces

Texture
Coarse
Medium
Fine
Medium to coarse


Luster
High
Medium
Pronounced
Lustrous


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


Odor
Faint cedar-like scent


Toxicity
Some toxic effects
Dermatitic effects


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


Drying Defects
Distortion
Checking
Slight twist/warp
Severe twisting/warping
Moderate twist/warp
Slight end splitting
Varies considerably
Slight surface checking
Severe surface checking
Severe end splitting
Moderate cupping


Ease of Drying
Slowly
Fairly Easy
Easy
Variable results.
Moderate
Difficult


It kiln-dries satisfactorily with only slight degrade, except in material containing severely interlocked grain.
Varies from slow to fairly rapid.

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


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


Tree Size
Tree height is 30-40 m
Trunk diameter is 100-150 cm
Bole length is 10-20 m
Trunk diameter is 150-200 cm
Tree height is 40-50 m
Tree height is 20-30 m
Sapwood width is 0-5 cm
Tree height is 10-20 m
Bole length is 0-10 m
Sapwood width is 5-10 cm


Product Sources
The ITTO reports that the species is an important and regular source of timber for export.

Certified Source
Certified Source


Substitutes
Light bosse (Guarea cedrata) and Dark bosse (Guarea thompsonii) are good substitutes in exterior joinery (windows). Crabwood (Carapa guianensis) is also similar in its properties.

Comments
Effect on Metals

General finishing qualities are rated as good

The wood may cause corrosion in iron and materials with iron content.

Blunting Effect
High to severe
Moderate
Blunting effect on machining is slight
Blunting effect on machining is moderate
Blunting effect on sawing dry wood is moderate
Blunting effect on machining is variable


Boring
Poor to very poor results
Fairly difficult to very difficult
Difficult

This wood works fairly easily with hand and machine tools but it may char during boring.

Carving
Poor to Very Poor Results
Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult
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


Gluing
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Fair to Good Results
Easy to glue
Satisfactory gluing properties


Mortising
Poor to Very Poor Results
Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult
Easy to mortise
Difficult to mortise
Good mortising properties


Moulding
Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult
Poor to Very Poor Results
Easy to mould
Difficult to mould
Tends to tear where interlocked grain is present
Reduced cutting angle is suggested


Movement in Service
Excellent Stability - Small Movement
Medium


Nailing
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult
Very Good to Excellent Results
Easy to nail
Holds nails well
Good nailing properties


Planing
Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult
Poor to Very Poor Results
Very Good to Excellent Results
Fair to Good Results
Easy to plane
Difficult to plane

A reduced cutting angle of 15 degrees has been recommended in planing material with interlocked grain.

Resistance to Impregnation
Permeable sapwood
Resistant heartwood
Resistant sapwood
Permeable heartwood
Heartwood is highly resistant
Heartwood is resistant


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


Routing & Recessing
Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult
Poor to Very Poor Results
Good in both routing and recessing.


Sanding
Very Good to Excellent Results
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Easy to sand
Very good characteristics


Screwing
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult
Very Good to Excellent Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Easy to screw


Turning
Poor to Very Poor Results
Very Good to Excellent Results
Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult
Fair to Good Results
Responds well


Veneering Qualities
Suitable for peeling
Difficult to veneer
Easy to cut
Suitable for slicing
Suitable for peeling


Steam Bending
Very poor
Poor


Painting
Takes paint easily after pre-treatment


Polishing
Fair to Good Results
Very Good to Excellent Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Good results
Very good results


Staining
Finish is generally good
Stains well
Finish is generally satisfactory


Varnishing
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Pre-treatment needed or recommended


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


Numerical Data
ItemGreenDryEnglish
Bending Strength1071515642psi
Density40lbs/ft3
Hardness1104lbs
Impact Strength2828inches
Maximum Crushing Strength55828184psi
Shearing Strength2127psi
Stiffness142716101000 psi
Toughness130inch-lbs
Work to Maximum Load811inch-lbs/in3
Specific Gravity0.490.62
Weight4038lbs/ft3
Radial Shrinkage4%
Tangential Shrinkage6%
Volumetric Shrinkage11%
ItemGreenDryMetric
Bending Strength7531099kg/cm2
Density641kg/m3
Hardness500kg
Impact Strength7171cm
Maximum Crushing Strength392575kg/cm2
Shearing Strength149kg/cm2
Stiffness1001131000 kg/cm2
Toughness149cm-kg
Work to Maximum Load0.560.77cm-kg/cm3
Specific Gravity0.490.62
Weight641608kg/m3
Radial Shrinkage4%
Tangential Shrinkage6%

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.

Bois et Forets des Tropiques,1973,Sipo - Entandrophragma utile,Bois et Forets des Tropiques,150,pp37-48

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

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.

Eggeling, W.J., Harris, C.M.,1939,Fifteen Uganda Timbers,Forest Trees and Timbers of the British Empire, Imperial Forestry,Institute, Oxford,Part 4

Erfurth, T., Rusche, H.,1976,The Marketing of Tropical Wood A. Wood Species from African Moist Forests,F.A.O. Forestry Department

Esmans, F.,1933,Les Entandrophragma,Bull. Agric. Congo Belge,4(2, pp222-235

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 Sipo,C.T.F.T. Information Technique,No.119

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.

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.

Jackson, A. and D. Day. 1991. Good Wood Handbook - The Woodworker's Guide to Identifying, Selecting and Using the Right Wood. Betterway Publications, Cincinnati, Ohio.

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

Revue des Bois et de ses Applications,1956,La Page des Bois Tropicaux - Sipo (Assie,Revue des Bois et de ses Applications,11(4,p33

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.,1971,Proprietes Physiques et Mecaniques des Bois Tropicaux (Deuxieme,Supplement,C.T.F.T.

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

Thomas, A.V.,1964,Timbers Used in the Boat Building Industry A Survey,Department of Scientific and Industrial Research Forest Products Research,Laboratory

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Uganda Forest Department,1954,Endandrophragma Spp.,Uganda Forest Department Timber Leaflet No.14

Weddell, E.,1960,A Study of the Influence of Interlocked Grain on the Bending Strength of,Timber,TRADA, Research Report, E/RR/14

Wood, B., Calnan, D.,1976,Toxic Woods,British Journal of Dermat 94 Suppl. 13









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