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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
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 Abrasion
Resistance to Impregnation
Response to Hand Tools
Routing & Recessing
Sanding
Sapwood Color
Scientific Name
Screwing
Silica Content
Staining
Steam Bending
Strength Properties
Substitutes
Texture
Toxicity
Trade Name
Tree Identification
Tree Size
Turning
Veneering Qualities
Weathering

Scientific Name
Gossweilerodendron balsamiferum

Trade Name
Agba

Family Name
Leguminosae

Common Names
Achi, Achi-aro, Agba, Agbara, Boana, Dembo, Ditchipi, Egba, Emonga, Emongi, Loshi-erin, Mboron, Moboron, Mpele, Mpere, Mupaka, Mushilu mutoke, Mutsekamambole, N'Tola, Nigerian cedar, Ntola, Okimeten, Pink mahogany, Tola, Tola blanc, Tola branca, Tshibudimbu tshitoke, White tola

Regions of Distribution
Africa

Countries of Distribution [VIEW MAP]
Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Zaire

Common Uses
Balusters, Boat building (general), Boat building, Boat building: decking, Boat building: planking, Boxes and crates, Bridge construction, Building construction, Building materials, Cabinetmaking, Canoes, Carvings, Chairs, Chests, Coffins, Concealed parts (Furniture), Concrete formwork, Construction, Cooperages, Core Stock, Decorative plywood, Desks, Dining-room furniture, Domestic flooring, Dowell pins, Dowells, Drawer sides, Excelsior, Fine furniture, Floor lamps, Flooring, Furniture , Furniture components, Furniture squares or stock, Furniture, Hatracks, Heavy construction, Interior construction, Interior trim, Joinery (external): ground contact, Joinery, Kitchen cabinets, Lifeboats, Light construction, Living-room suites, Millwork, Moldings, Musical instruments: piano, Office furniture, Paneling, Parquet flooring, Particleboard, Plywood corestock, Plywood, Plywood: veneer (marine), Poles, Pulp/Paper products, Radio - stereo - TV cabinets, Railroad ties, Rustic furniture, Shipbuilding, Sporting Goods, Stairworks, Tool handles, Toys, Turnery, Vats, Vehicle parts, Veneer: decorative

Environmental Profile

Endangered

Extinct

Abundant/Secure

Generally secure within its natural habitat

Data source is World Conservation Monitoring Center

Distribution Overview
Endemic to the Guineo-Congolian region. G. balsamiferum occurs in Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Nigeria and Zaire. This shade-tolerant species usually grows in mature little-disturbed forest (evergreen or semi- deciduous) and occurs at elevations below 500m. This species flourishes on ferruginous soils derived from secondary sediments. It is absent or rare from part of its range within the main Nigeria-Zaire forest block. In the Congo, in the forest zone between Louess� and Niari of Makabana, stands of G. balsamiferum are found with 5 or 6 exploitable trees per hectare. It favors deep soil and plenty of moisture.

Heartwood Color

Red

Brown

Pink

White

Purple

Yellow to golden-yellow to orange

Pale red to pink

Pale brown

Reddish brown

Brown

Yellowish brown

Pinkish brown

Darkens upon exposure

Dark brown

The heartwood is initially yellowish- to pinkish- brown, but it darkens upon exposure. It is described as reddish-brown, with a distinct brick-red or terracotta-pink tinge. The wood has a bright, clean compact appearance, with some similarities to mahogany.

Sapwood Color

White

Yellow

Red

Brown

Paler than heartwood

White to yellow

Same as heartwood

Well defined

Pinkish

The sapwood is lighter in color than the heartwood, and is not very distinct. Sapwood width is usually about 4 inches (10 cm) or more.

Grain

Straight

Interlocked

Wavy

Figure

Closed

Even

Growth rings (figure)

Distinct (figure)

Weak (figure)

Straight

Interlocked

Wavy

Weak figure

Distinct figure

Clear growth rings (figure)

The annual rings are marked by clear and slightly darker streaks of dry-season wood which give the wood a faint grain. Interlocked grain and luster combine to give radially cut wood an attractive appearance.

Texture

Fine

Medium

Fine

Fine to medium

Medium

Even textured

Evenly scattered coarse pores are reported to result in fine vessel lines on all lengthwise surfaces.

Luster

Medium

High

Pronounced

Lustrous

Slightly lustrous

High

Natural Growth Defects

Brittleheart is often frequent and extensive

Yellowish deposits in vessels

Whitish deposits in vessels

Gum/resin streaks

Gum and mineral deposits

Gum pockets are reported to often affect the quality of the wood, and shakes close to the heart may contain accumulations of resin. Resin exudation may cause freshly sawed boards to stick together if they are stacked without stickers. High kiln-drying temperatures may also cause gum to bleed to the surface

Natural Durability

Resistant to termites

Susceptible to insect attack

Durable

Resistant to powder post beetles

Non-resistant to powder post beetles

Very durable

Moderately durable

Perishable

Non-durable

Durable

Resistant 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

Moderately durable

Very durable

Resistant to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles

Pinworms (ambrosia beetles) are commonly present

Non durable

Susceptible to marine borer attack

Resistant to wood staining fungal attack

Heartwood is naturally durable

Heartwood resistant

Weathering

Good

Odor

Resinous wood has peppery odor when freshly cut

No distinct taste

Silica Content

High

Siliceous

Light-Induced Color Change

Darker

Toxicity

Some toxic effects

Respiratory effects

Dermatitic effects

Kiln Schedules

Drying (speed) is fast

UK=J US=T10D5S/T8D4S Fr=4

UK=F US=T6D4/T3D3 Fr=6

T10 - D5s (4/4); T8 - D4s (8/4) US

Schedule J - United Kingdom

Kiln Drying Rate (in days) is fairly rapid

Dry at a moderate speed

Drying Defects

Distortion

Splitting

Resin Exudation

Checking

Expect resin/gum exudation

No twisting or warping

Slight twist/warp

Slight surface checking

Slight end splitting

No surface checking

Warping can be expected

No end splitting

Checking

Ease of Drying

Fairly Easy

Rapidly

Gum Exudation

Slowly

Reconditioning Treatement

Little degrade

Easy

Radial - 1.5%
Shrinkage from green to 12% MC
Tangential - 3.0%
The wood dries fairly easily, with a slight tendency to check and warp.

Kiln Drying Rate

Naturally dries quickly

Naturally dries slowly

Drying rate is fairly rapid to fast

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 not buttressed

Bole/stem form is straight

Bole/stem form is cylindrical

Tree Size

Trunk diameter is 100-150 cm

Tree height is 40-50 m

Bole length is 20-30 m

Trunk diameter is 150-200 cm

Sapwood width is 10-15 cm

Tree height is 50-60 m

Tree height is 30-40 m

Bole length is 10-20 m

Sapwood width is 5-10 cm

Tree height is 20-30 m

Bole length is 30-40 m

Product Sources
Although the species is abundant and relatively inexpensive, it is seldom available through retailers of hardwoods for furniture in North America. Supplies are mostly in Europe, but Agba is also often found in the US as corestock in plywood or as the secondary wood in furniture from Europe. Agba is not actively sought after on the US market because many domestic species which are in abundant supplies can be used for the same applications. The wood matchs with Oak veneer, which can save money on solid sections.

Certified Source

Certified Source

Substitutes
Idigbo (Terminalia ivorensis) is similar in appearance.

Comments
General finishing qualities are rated as good

Blunting Effect

Moderate

Little

Blunting effect on machining is slight

Blunting effect on machining is moderate

Slight effect

Blunting effect on sawing dry wood is moderate

The wood has small blunting effect on cutting edges, but gum may accumulate on cutters.

Boring

Fairly easy to very easy

Fair to good results

Easy

Good (75+ pieces out of 100 will yield good to excellent results)

Response to boring operations is good, but cutters may gum up.

Carving

Fair to Good Results

Fairly Easy to Very Easy

Good carving characteristics

Cutting Resistance

Easy to saw

Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult to saw

Cutting Resistance with dry wood is easy

Cutting resistance with dry wood is variable

Cutting Resistance with green wood is difficult

Low cutting resistance

The wood has very little resistance to cutting, but resin tends to accumulate on saws.

Gluing

Fairly Easy to Very Easy

Fair to Good Results

Easy to glue

Good gluing properties

Mortising

Fair to Good Results

Fairly Easy to Very Easy

Very Good to Excellent Results

Easy to mortise

Cutters may gum up, but the timber is generally easy to mortise.

Moulding

Fair to Good Results

Very Good to Excellent Results

Fairly Easy to Very Easy

Easy to mould

Responds fairly well to moulding operations

The wood responds readily to machine tools in moulding operations. Gum may accumulate on cutters.

Movement in Service

Excellent Stability - Small Movement

Fair to Good Stability - Medium Movement

Small

Stable

The timber is dimensionally stable after seasoning, and retains its shape well in use

Nailing

Fairly Easy to Very Easy

Fair to Good Results

Very Good to Excellent Results

Poor to Very Poor Results

Easy to nail

Holds nails well

Satisfactory nailing properties

Planing

Fairly Easy to Very Easy

Fair to Good Results

Very Good to Excellent Results

Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult

Easy to plane

Responds very well to both hand and machine tools

Planes well, to a good finish

Difficult to plane

There may be accumulation of gum on cutters.

Resistance to Abrasion

High

Resistance to Impregnation

Resistant heartwood

Permeable sapwood

Resistant sapwood

Heartwood is resistant

Heartwood is extremely resistant

Heartwood responds poorly to preservative treatment

Penetration and retention in the sapwood is adequate.

Response to Hand Tools

Easy to Work

Fairly Difficult to Difficult to Work

Responds Readily

Easy to machine

Variable qualities

Responds fairly well to hand tools

There may be accumulation of gum on cutters.

Routing & Recessing

Fairly Easy to Very Easy

Fair to Good Results

Good routing qualities

Sanding

Fairly Easy to Very Easy

Fair to Good Results

Good sanding qualities

Difficult to sand

Sandpaper may be clogged up quickly.

Screwing

Fairly Easy to Very Easy

Fair to Good Results

Very Good to Excellent Results

Easy to screw

Screwing yields good results

Good screwing properties

Turning

Fair to Good Results

Fairly Easy to Very Easy

Easy to turn

Veneering Qualities

Suitable for peeling

Veneers easily

Suitable for slicing

Veneers moderately easy

No drying degrade

Good gluing qualities

Easy to cut

There is slight to moderate drying degrade and the potential for buckles and splits

Suitable for peeling

No steaming needed during bolt preparation.

No drying degrade. Dries flat without splitting

Steam Bending

Fair to Good Results

Fairly Easy to Very Easy

Moderate

Fair

Painting

Poor results

Polishing

Fair to Good Results

Poor to Very Poor Results

Very Good to Excellent Results

Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult

Satisfactory results

Good results

Takes a high finish

Staining

Fair to Good Results

Very Good to Excellent Results

Fairly Easy to Very Easy

Finish is generally satisfactory

Finish is generally good

Stains very well

Special attention suggested

The material is reported to stain very well after filling, but there may be some bubbling up under finishes, especially on the end-grain.

Strength Properties

Bending strength (MOR) = low

Max. crushing strength = medium

Density (dry weight) = 31-37 lbs/cu. ft.

Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = very low

Shrinkage, Radial = very small

Hardness (side grain) = soft

Shrinkage, Tangential = very small

Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = low

Max. crushing strength = low

Hardness (side grain) = very soft

Bending strength (MOR) = medium

Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = low

Toughness-Hammer drop (Impact Strength) = low

Shrinkage, Volumetric = small

Shrinkage, Tangential = small

Density (dry weight) = 23-30 lbs/cu. ft.

Toughness-Hammer drop (Impact Strength) = very low

Shrinkage, Volumetric = very small

Shrinkage, Radial = small

Work to Maximum Load = very low

Toughness (total work) = very low

Shrinkage, Tangential = moderate

Shrinkage, Tangential = fairly large

Shrinkage, Radial = moderate

Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = very low

Bending strength (MOR) = very low

Agba is similar in density to Yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera ), but it has a somewhat coarser texture. Its strength properties are comparable, but slightly inferior to the true Mahoganies (Swietenia and Khaya ). The timber is described as a general purpose lumber, but high gum content and relative softness make it less desirable as a primary choice for fine furniture. It is usually available in wide boards, and is very stable, which makes it suitable as a secondary material for interior panels, drawer sides, and veneer core stock.

Numerical Data

Item	Green	Dry	English

Bending Strength	6986	10966	psi
Density		31	lbs/ft3
Hardness		762	lbs
Impact Strength		24	inches
Maximum Crushing Strength	3434	5919	psi
Shearing Strength		1505	psi
Stiffness	1029	1249	1000 psi
Toughness		95	inch-lbs
Work to Maximum Load	7	9	inch-lbs/in3
Specific Gravity	0.36
Weight	36	30	lbs/ft3
Radial Shrinkage	2		%
Tangential Shrinkage	5		%
Volumetric Shrinkage	7		%

Item	Green	Dry	Metric

Bending Strength	491	771	kg/cm2
Density		496	kg/m3
Hardness		345	kg
Impact Strength		60	cm
Maximum Crushing Strength	241	416	kg/cm2
Shearing Strength		105	kg/cm2
Stiffness	72	87	1000 kg/cm2
Toughness		109	cm-kg
Work to Maximum Load	0.49	0.63	cm-kg/cm3
Specific Gravity	0.36
Weight	576	480	kg/m3
Radial Shrinkage	2		%
Tangential Shrinkage	5		%

References
Antoine, R.C., et al,1959,Le Debit des Bois a la Scie a Ruban,I.N.E.A.C. Belgium Serie Tech., 57

Arkwright, P.,1961,Know your Timbers No.82 Agba (Gossweilodendron balsamiferum,Woodworking Industry,18(2, p95

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

Arno, J. 1992. Gossweilerodendron balsamiferum - Agba. In A Guide to Useful Woods of the World, Flynn Jr., J.H., Editor. King Philip Publishing Co., Portland, Maine. Page 173-174.

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]

Bois et Forets des Tropiques,1953,Agba (Gossweilerodendron balsamiferum,Bois et Forets des Tropiques,23,pp17-20

Bois et Forets des Tropiques,1965,Androstachys johnsonii,Bois et Forets des Tropiques,No.103, p60

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

Bolza, E.,1976,Timber and Health,Div. Building Res. C.S.I.R.O. Australia

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

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

Clifford, N.,1952,Tropical Hardwoods for Building,Builder,110(5689, pp338-9

Clifford, N.,1953,Commercial Hardwoods - Their Characteristics Identification and,Utilization,Sir Isaac Pitman & Sons Ltd. London

Cox, H.A.,1939,A Handbook of Empire Timbers,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough

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

Desch, H.E.,1948,The Cedars,Wood 13(2) pp40-3

Edlin, H.L. 1969. What Wood is That?: A Manual of Wood Identification. A Studio Book, The Viking Press, New York.

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.,1955,Kiln-Drying Schedules,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough, Department of,Science and Industrial Research, Building Research Establishment Leaflet,No.42

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

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.,1962,Resultats des Observations et des Essais Effectues au CTFT sur le Tola -,Gossweilerodendron balsamiferum,C.T.F.T.,Information Tec.,No.149

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

France - C.T.F.T.,1977,Promotion of African Timbers - New Species,CTFT,35 Leaflets

France - C.T.F.T.,Recuil de Fiches Techniques,C.T.F.T.

Hughes, J.F.,1971,The Principal Timber Trees of Cameroon,Unpublished data

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

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. 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. (Shrinkage data only).

ITTO. New Marketable Species 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.

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

Kribs, D.A.,1950,Commercial and Foreign Woods on the American Market (a manual to their,structure, identification, uses and distribution,U.S.A. Penn. State College, Tropical Woods Laboratory

Kukachka, B.F.,1961,Foreign Wood Series-Agba (Gossweilerodendron balsamiferum,U.S.A. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Report No.2024

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

Lavers, G.M. 1967. The Strength Properties of Timbers. Forest Products Research Bulletin, No. 50 (Spersedes Bulletin No. 45). 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

Ousbey, J.H.,1959,Different Methods for Finishing Agba,Timber Technology,67(2237,p115

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

Sandermann, W., Feht, F.,1955,Some chemical and technological investigations on the wood of Agba,Translated by the Timber Dev. Assoc. Ltd from Holz als Roh-und Werkstoff,1955 13(8) 292-301.

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]

Seabra, L., Ferreirinha, M.P.,1960,Ficha Techologica e Florestal-Gossweilerodendron balsamiferum,Junta das Miss. Geog. Invest. do. Ultrama Garcia de Orta,8(2,pp279-83

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

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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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U.A.C.O. Timber Review,1962,A good all-rounder -Agba (Gossweilerodendron balsamiferum,U.A.C.O. Timber Review,6, pp2-6

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