Search for  
 
 
top

Clicking any heading in the main data area (at right) will scroll the page back to this top position.

Use the following links to jump to the associated section in the main data.

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
Resistance to Splitting
Response to Hand Tools
Routing & Recessing
Sanding
Sapwood Color
Scientific Name
Screwing
Staining
Steam Bending
Strength Properties
Synonyms
Texture
Toxicity
Trade Name
Tree Identification
Tree Size
Turning
Varnishing
Veneering Qualities

Scientific Name
Nauclea diderrichii

Trade Name
Opepe

Family Name
Rubiaceae

Synonyms
Sarcocephalus trillesii


Wood Image 1

Wood Image 1

Wood Image 1

Wood Image 1

Common Names
Abouko, Akondoc, Aloma, Aloua, Asibo, Awesu, Badi, Bedo, Bilinga, Bohia, Bonkangu, Bonkese, Bosema, Bosima, Brimstone, Bundui, Doe-yah, Dubawile, Dunkake, Echinchin, Edjin, Eke, Ekusiawa, Engolo, Eridinda, Etinda, Gluu, Groussou, Gulu, Gulu-maza, Gulumanzi, Ikaka, Issoula, Kantate, Kilingi, Kilu, Kusia, Kusia papa, Kusiaba, Kusiabe, Kusiabo, Kussia, Linzi, Mamoundi, Mokesse, Moukonia, Mtoma, N'gulu, N'gulu maza, N'gulu-maza, Nguebe, Obiache, Odosi, Opepe, Opepi, Owessu, Owoso, Sibo, Sukisia, Tebotue, Toumbo, Uburu, Urherekor, Wei-yidi

Regions of Distribution
Africa

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

Common Uses
Agricultural implements, Boat building (general), Boat building, Boat building: planking, Bridge construction, Building materials, Cabinetmaking, Canoes, Chairs, Charcoal, Chests, Concealed parts (Furniture), Cooperages, Crossties, Decks, Decorative veneer, Desks, Dining-room furniture, Dockwork, Domestic flooring, Dowell pins, Dowells, Drawer sides, Excelsior, Figured veneer, Fine furniture, Floor lamps, Flooring, Flooring: commercial heavy traffic, Flooring: industrial heavy traffic, Framing, Fuelwood, Furniture , Furniture components, Furniture squares or stock, Furniture, Harbor work, Hatracks, Heavy construction, Joinery (external): ground contact, Joinery, Kitchen cabinets, Lifeboats, Light construction, Living-room suites, Marine construction, Millwork, Mine timbers, Moldings, Office furniture, Parquet flooring, Piling, Plywood, Poles, Posts, Radio - stereo - TV cabinets, Railroad ties, Rustic furniture, Shipbuilding, Sporting Goods, Tables, Truck bodies, Turnery, Vehicle parts, Veneer: decorative, Wharf construction

Environmental Profile
Vulnerable in parts of its natural habitat
Rare in parts of its natural range (population is at risk)
Generally secure within most of its natural habitat, but note exceptions.
Data source is World Conservation Monitoring Center

Rare in Ghana and Uganda, Vulnerable in Cameroon

Distribution Overview
The natural range of the species extends from Sierra Leone to the Congo region and eastward to Uganda. The species usually grows in pure stands.

Heartwood Color
Brown
Pink
Red
Yellow to golden-yellow to orange
Brown
Orangish cast
Darkens after prolonged exposure
Dark brown

The heartwood is orange-brown, orange, or golden-yellow in color, with a copper luster, and darkens upon exposure. The striking color of the wood, together with the figure is reported to give it a very attractive appearance.

Sapwood Color
Brown
White to yellow
Pinkish
Paler than heartwood
Well defined
Grey
Distinct from the heartwood
Different than heartwood


Grain
Figure
Interlocked
Distinct (figure)
Straight
Stripe (figure)
Closed
Even
Mottle
Rippled (figure)
Irregular

Interlocked
Distinct figure
Straight
Striped figure
Rippled figure
Mottled or streaked figure sometimes
Irregular
Distinct and very fine figure

The grain is usually interlocked or irregular, and produces an attractive ribbon or rope figure.

Texture
Fine
Even or uniform
Coarse
Medium coarse to coarse
Medium


Luster
High
Medium
Lustrous
Medium to high


Natural Growth Defects
Yellowish deposits in vessels
Gum and mineral deposits


Natural Durability
Perishable
Resistant to attack from marine borers
Very durable
Resistant to attack from termites (Isoptera)
Susceptible to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles
Resistant to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles
Pinworms (ambrosia beetles) are commonly present
Moderately resistant to termite (Isoptera) attack
Resistant to attack from pinworms (ambrosia beetles)
Durable
Sapwood susceptible to attack by powder post beetles
Heartwood is very durable
Good weathering properties

Sapwood is moderately resistant to attack by termites in West Africa.

Odor
Wood has slightly bitter taste
Slight fragrant aroma associated with freshly cut wood

Freshly-Cut wood has a slightly fragrant aroma, which becomes indistinct when the wood is seasoned

Light-Induced Color Change
Darker


Toxicity
Dermatitic effects

The wood contains an alkaloid that is toxic to some individuals.

Kiln Schedules
UK=E US=T6D2/T3D1 Fr=5
Dry at a slow speed
Drying (speed) is fast
T6 - D2 (4/4); T3 - D1 (8/4) US
Schedule E; United Kingdom
Kiln Drying Rate (in days) is rather slow


Drying Defects
Collapse
Checking
Internal Honeycombing Possible
Severe surface checking
Severe end splitting
Slight surface checking
Moderate end spitting
Slight twist/warp
No twisting or warping
Moderate surface checking
Slight end splitting
Surface checks
No surface checking
No end splitting
Expect splits
Distortion (twist/warp) is likely

Quartersawn material dries with very little checking or distortion, but flat sawn timber tends to be refractory and may surface-check, split and distort during drying.

Ease of Drying
Variable
Requires special attention
Difficult
Moderate
Figure Occurrence is variable

Quartersawn stock dries well, but backsawn material can be refractory. Thin stickers and end protection are advisable

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 not buttressed
Bole/stem form is cylindrical
Bole/stem form is straight
Bole/stem form is buttressed


Tree Size
Bole length is 0-10 m
Tree height is 30-40 m
Tree height is 40-50 m
Tree height is 50-60 m
Trunk diameter is 100-150 cm


Product Sources
The ITTO reports that timber from this species is produced in rather low quantities. The timber is currently being promoted for export.

Supplies are plentiful, and good sized material of excellent quality is readily available at fairly expensive prices.

Comments
Abnormal Growth Defects

General finishing qualities are rated as good

Hidden defects such as reddish granular stones or heart shakes may be present.

Blunting Effect
Moderate
Blunting effect on machining is moderate
Blunting effect on machining is slight
Blunting effect on sawing dry wood is moderate
Medium dulling effect on cutting edges


Boring
Fair to good results
Fairly easy to very easy
Fairly easy with ordinary tools
Difficult


Carving
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Fair carving characteristics


Cutting Resistance
Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult to saw
Cutting Resistance with dry wood is easy
Moderate to fairly difficult to saw
Cutting Resistance with dry wood is moderate

Slow feeding rates and 17 degree cutting angles are recommended for best results.

Gluing
Fair to Good Results
Easy to glue
Satisfactory gluing properties


Mortising
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Material mortises fairly easily


Moulding
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Good moulding properties


Movement in Service
Fair to Good Stability - Medium Movement
Excellent Stability - Small Movement
Small
Stable


Nailing
Fair to Good Results
Possible if prebored
Easy to nail
Difficult to nail
Holds nails well

There is a slight tendency for the timber to split in nailing

Planing
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Easy to plane
Special attention required
Responds well to ordinary tools in mortising
Difficult to plane

A reduced planing angle of 10 degrees is recommended in quartersawn material to prevent pick-up

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


Resistance to Splitting
Poor


Response to Hand Tools
Responds Readily
Easy to machine
Moderate working qualities
Fair response to hand tools


Routing & Recessing
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Routing is difficult
Fair routing properties


Sanding
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Good sanding finish
Easy to sand


Screwing
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Easy to screw
Screwing yields good results

The wood takes screws rather well.

Turning
Very Good to Excellent Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Easy to turn


Veneering Qualities
Suitable for slicing
There is slight to moderate drying degrade and the potential for buckles and splits
Moderately easy to veneer
Good gluing qualities
Bolt preparation requires steaming


Steam Bending
Fair to Good Results
Very Good to Excellent Results
Very poor
Poor
Moderate


Painting
Satisfactory results


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


Staining
Fair to Good Results
Very Good to Excellent Results
Finish is generally satisfactory
Finish is generally good


Varnishing
Varnishes fairly well
Satisfactory


Strength Properties
Max. crushing strength = high
Density (dry weight) = 46-52 lbs/cu. ft.
Hardness (side grain) = medium
Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = medium
Bending strength (MOR) = high
Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = medium
Bending strength (MOR) = medium
Shrinkage, Tangential = moderate
Shrinkage, Radial = moderate
Shrinkage, Volumetric = fairly large
Shrinkage, Volumetric = moderate
Shrinkage, Tangential = small
Shrinkage, Tangential = fairly large
Shrinkage, Radial = small
Shrinkage, Tangential = very small
Shrinkage, Radial = very small
Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = low
Max. crushing strength = medium
Shrinkage, Volumetric = large
Shrinkage, Radial = large
Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = low
Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = high
Hardness (side grain) = hard
Shrinkage, Tangential = large
Shrinkage, Radial = fairly large
Hardness (side grain) = very hard
Hardness (side grain) = soft
Density (dry weight) = 38-45 lbs/cu. ft.
Work to Maximum Load = very low
Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = very low
Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = high
Max. crushing strength = very high
Density (dry weight) = 53-60 lbs/cu. ft
Bending strength (MOR) = very high
Bending strength (MOR) = low

The wood has good wearing properties, and its strength properties are reported to compare favorably with most imports. Density, strength and other properties of the species vary with site, but the wood is generally moderately hard and heavy. The species is 15 to 20 percent stronger than Teak (Tectona grandis)

Numerical Data
ItemGreenDryEnglish
Bending Strength1260617666psi
Density47lbs/ft3
Hardness1724lbs
Impact Strength3129inches
Maximum Crushing Strength69549873psi
Shearing Strength2118psi
Stiffness178320341000 psi
Work to Maximum Load59inch-lbs/in3
Specific Gravity0.540.65
Weight4746lbs/ft3
Radial Shrinkage4%
Tangential Shrinkage7%
Volumetric Shrinkage12%
ItemGreenDryMetric
Bending Strength8861242kg/cm2
Density753kg/m3
Hardness782kg
Impact Strength7873cm
Maximum Crushing Strength488694kg/cm2
Shearing Strength148kg/cm2
Stiffness1251431000 kg/cm2
Work to Maximum Load0.350.63cm-kg/cm3
Specific Gravity0.540.65
Weight753737kg/m3
Radial Shrinkage4%
Tangential Shrinkage7%

References
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,1956,Bilinga,Bois et Forets des Tropiques 47,pp11-14

Bois et Forets des Tropiques,1975,Bilinga,Bois et Forets des Tropiques,160,pp33-46

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

Bond, C.W.,1950,Colonial Timbers,Sir Issac Pitman & Sons Ltd. London

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.

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

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.,1945,A Handbook of Empire Timbers,Department of Scientific and Industrial Research Forest Products Research

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.,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.

Fougerousse, M., Deschamps, P.,1968,Essais de Resistance de quelques Bois Tropicaux aux Xylophages Marins dans,la,Port de la Pallice,C.T.F.T. Note Technique,No.7

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

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

France - Comite Nacional des Bois Coloniaux,1931,Etude Physique et Mecanique des Bois Coloniaux,Assoc. Colonies-Sciences & Comite National des Bios Coloniaux, Paris,,France

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

Gutierrez Oliva, A., Plaza Pulgar, F.,1967,Caracteristicas fisico-mecanicas de las maderas Espanolas. (Physical and,mechanical properties of Spanish timbers.,Min.Agric./Dir.Gen Montes/Instituto Forestral de Investigaciones,y,Experiencias, Madrid pp102

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.

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

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.

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.,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

Kline, M. 1983. Nauclea diderrichii - Opepe. In A Guide to Useful Woods of the World. Flynn Jr., J.H., Editor. King Philip Publishing Co., Portland, Maine. 1994. Page 241-242.

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

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)

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

Meniaud, J., Bretonnet, F.,1926,Les Bois Coloniaux d'Afrique dans l'Industrie,Publ. de l'Agence Gen. des Colonies

Okigbo, L.,1965,Air Seasoning of Opepe (Nauclea diderrichii) pole and its pressure,impregnation at high moisture content,Nigeria Fed. Department of Forest Research, Ibadan Forest Products,Research Laboratory Report, No.4

Organisation for European Economic Co-operation,1951,African Tropical Timber (Nomenclature, Description,OEEC

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,Bilinga,Revue des Bois et de ses Applications,11(12,p38

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

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.,1959,Survey of Africa Woods 4,Tropical Woods 17(110) pp42-115

Streets, R.J.,1962,Exotic Forest Trees in the British Commonwealth,Clarendon Press Oxford

T.R.A.D.A.,1982,Timbers for river and sea constructions,TRADA Wood Information Section 0, Sheet 6

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

Tanzania Forest Division,1966,Diospyros mespiliformis (African Ebony,Tanzania Forest Div. Util. Sec. Moshi - Timbers of Tanganyika

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

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

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

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

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

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









Search the web for anything relating to wood and forest products.


























Search the web for anything relating to wood and forest products.