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

Scientific Name
Parinari excelsa

Trade Name
Sougue

Family Name
Chrysobalanaceae

Synonyms
Parinari salicifolia, Parinari tenuifolia, Parinarium elliotii, Parinarium excelsum, Parinarium mildbraedii


Wood Image 1

Common Names
Afam, Aiomoradan, Assain, Assila, Assita, Bobombi, Bonzole, Bula, Catesima, Dawe, Distschia, Ditschia, Djirro, Ebula, Ebura, Esagko, Eshagho, Gboh, Grahm-sougue, Grey plum, Grey skinned plum, Guinea plum, Gulih, Inyi, Koolako, Kotosima, Kotossouma, Kotue, Kpar, Kura, Kura-mako, Kurahi, Kuranako, Kwanedua, Mampata, Mampataz, Mampato, Mbula, Mbura, Merecurillo, Mose, Msabala, Mubara, Mubura, Muganda, Mula, Mulanga, Munazi, Mushimba, Namulambo, Nnamulambo, Ofam, Omushamba, Patobi, Pemba, Pembe, Piolo, Rough skinned plum, Shuge, Sougue, Sougue a grandes feuilles, Suge

Regions of Distribution
Africa, Latin America, Oceania and S.E. Asia

Countries of Distribution  [VIEW MAP]
Benin, Brazil, Cameroon, Columbia, Equatorial Guinea, French Guiana, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Guyana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Suriname, Tanzania, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, Venezuela

Common Uses
Agricultural implements, Boat building (general), Boat building: framing, Building construction, Building materials, Cabin construction, Charcoal, Construction, Decks, Domestic flooring, Factory construction, Flooring, Flooring: industrial heavy traffic, Fuelwood, Furniture, Heavy construction, Joinery, Light construction, Marine construction, Mine timbers, Parquet flooring, Piling, Plywood, Poles, Railroad ties, Shipbuilding, Sporting Goods, Sub-flooring, Vehicle parts

Environmental Profile
Very secure within its natural range
Data source is World Conservation Monitoring Center

There is very little threat to the species' environment in Ivory Coast, Liberia, Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Surinam, and Venezuela, but it is classified as Vulnerable in Cameroon. Its status in the wild is currently listed as unknown because of insufficient information in Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sierra Leone

Distribution Overview
This pan-tropical species occurs widely in tropical Africa and America. It usually grows in mixed stands at elevations of 3000 and 6000 feet (915 and 1830 m).

Heartwood Color
Brown
Red
Purple
Green/grey
Pale red to pink
Reddish brown
Greenish to greyish
Brown
Yellow to golden-yellow to orange
Dark brown
Red - pale
Brown - chocolate


Sapwood Color
White
White to yellow
Well defined
Paler than heartwood
Pale yellow
Not clearly differentiated from the heartwood


Grain
Interlocked
Closed
Figure
Even
Straight
Wavy

Interlocked
Wavy
Straight

The grain is wavy, though often very irregular and interlocked

Texture
Medium
Coarse
Medium coarse to coarse
Coarse
Medium
Fine


Luster
High
Slightly lustrous


Natural Growth Defects
Whitish deposits in vessels


Natural Durability
Perishable
Moderately durable
Resistant to attack from marine borers
Non durable
Susceptible to attack from termites (Isoptera)
Durable
Susceptible to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles
Very little natural resistance
Very durable
Pinworms (ambrosia beetles) are commonly present

The wood is susceptible to attack by termites and pinhole borers, but is resistant to marine borers. The timber has moderate resistance to the advers effects of the weather

Odor
The odor disappears after the timber is seasoned

The sapwood has a scent of honey when freshly cut

Silica Content
Siliceous
Severe

The wood usually contains very high amounts of silica; levels of more than 1% (of ovendry weight) have been reported. A silica content of 0.05% is usually considered to be high enough to affect the machining properties of wood

Light-Induced Color Change
Darker


Kiln Schedules
Dry at a slow speed
UK=B US=T2C2/T2C1 Fr=2
UK=B
K=B US=T2C2/T2C1 Fr=2
Drying (speed) is fast

Preliminary air-drying before kiln-drying is suggested.

Drying Defects
Checking
Severe end splitting
Severe surface checking
Moderate surface checking
Moderate end spitting
Moderate twist/warp
Slight twist/warp
Slight surface checking
Slight spring/bow
Severe twisting/warping
No end splitting
No cupping, generally
Moderate spring/bow

The wood has a tendency to distort and split during drying, and may check and warp

Ease of Drying
Reconditioning Treatement
Fairly Easy
Difficult
Moderate
Tendency to split and distort
Preliminary air-drying should precede kiln drying to minimize degrade
Mild kiln schedules recommended to minimize drying defects
Fairly difficult to dry
Dries slowly


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


Tree Size
The tree reaches a height of 150 to 170 feet (45 to 61 m), with a trunk diameter of 36 to 60 inches (100 to 150 cm) above large buttresses that are up to 10 feet (3 m) high. It develops boles that are mostly of good form and cylindrical. They are usually clear of branches for 60 to 90 feet (18 to 27 m).

Comments
General finishing qualities are rated as good

Blunting Effect
High to severe
Blunting effect on machining is severe
Blunting effect on machining is fairly severe

The wood has severe dulling effect on tools due to high amounts of silica

Boring
Fair to good results
Fairly easy to very easy


Carving
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy


Cutting Resistance
Easy to saw
Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult to saw
Cutting Resistance with dry wood is difficult

The timber saws with some difficulty, especially in the seasoned condition, because of silica. Tungsten-tipped cutters are required

Gluing
Easy to glue
Satisfactory gluing properties


Mortising
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Finishes poorly


Moulding
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy


Movement in Service
Large
Fair to poor dimensional stability after seasoning

Tends to move considerably after manufacture.

Nailing
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Pre-Boring is necessary
Possible if prebored
Holds nails well
Difficult to nail


Planing
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Difficult to plane
Specially-Tipped cutters are required
Planes well, to a good finish
Easy to plane

Seasoned wood is rather difficult to plane and material containing irregular grain may tear in planing operations

Resistance to Impregnation
Heartwood is moderately resistant
Sapwood is permeable
Heartwood is permeable


Resistance to Splitting
Poor


Response to Hand Tools
Responds Readily
Easy to Work
Difficult to machine
Moderate working qualities

Response to hand tools is dependent upon amount of silica, but it is generally poor.

Routing & Recessing
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy


Screwing
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Pre-Boring is required before screwing
Difficult to screw


Turning
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Poor results
Difficult to turn
Tends to dull cutting edges of ordinary tools rapidly and severely

The timber is generally difficult to work because of high silica content. Tungsten-carbide tipped cutters are recommended.

Veneering Qualities
No drying degrade. Dries flat without splitting
Easy to cut


Steam Bending
Moderate

The wood has moderately good steam bending characteristics.

Painting
Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult


Polishing
Very Good to Excellent Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Good results
Fairly good polishing characteristics


Staining
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy


Varnishing
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy


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

Strength properties are reported to vary with origin and conditions at growth site, but the wood is very hard. Weight is usually very high, and the wood tends to be very dense. It is suitable for charcoal and firewood. Fruit produced by the species is edible.

Numerical Data
ItemGreenDryEnglish
Bending Strength1174917179psi
Crushing Strength1548psi
Density51lbs/ft3
Hardness1840lbs
Impact Strength29inches
Maximum Crushing Strength690910292psi
Shearing Strength1885psi
Static Bending11544psi
Stiffness188522871000 psi
Toughness212inch-lbs
Work to Maximum Load712inch-lbs/in3
Specific Gravity0.640.73
Weight4738lbs/ft3
Radial Shrinkage6%
Tangential Shrinkage9%
Volumetric Shrinkage15%
ItemGreenDryMetric
Bending Strength8261207kg/cm2
Crushing Strength108kg/cm2
Density817kg/m3
Hardness834kg
Impact Strength73cm
Maximum Crushing Strength485723kg/cm2
Shearing Strength132kg/cm2
Static Bending811kg/cm2
Stiffness1321601000 kg/cm2
Toughness244cm-kg
Work to Maximum Load0.490.84cm-kg/cm3
Specific Gravity0.640.73
Weight753608kg/m3
Radial Shrinkage6%
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

Bois, P.J.,1966,The Strength Properties of Tanzania Timbers,Tanzania Forest Div. Util. Sec. Moshi Tech. Note, No.35

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

Brenan, J.P.M., Greenway, P.J.,1949,Check-lists of the Forest Trees and Shrubs of the British Empire,Imperial Forestry Institute, Oxford No.5 Tanganyika Territories Part 2

Bryce, J.M.,1967,Commercial Timbers of Tanzania,Tanzanian Forestry Division Util. Sec. Moshi

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

Cooper, G.P., Record, S.J.,1931,The Evergreen Forests of Liberia,Yale School Forestry Bulletin,31,pp1-153

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.,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,Mubura - Parinari excelsa,Department of Science and Industrial Research Timber Leaflet

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

Forest Products Research Laboratory, U.K.,1967,The Steam Bending Properties of various timbers,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough, Leaflet,No.45

Forest Products Research Laboratory, U.K.,1969,The Movement of Timbers,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough Technical Note,No.38

Gotz, E.,1983,Timber trees of the Gambia,Stiftung Walderhaltung in Afrika and Bundesforschungsanstalt fur Forst-,und Holzwirtschaft

Grant, D.K.S.,1934,Some Local Timbers,Tanzania Forest Department

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

Jones, T.,1962,Recent Investigations of 2 New Tree Borers in the Indigenous Forests in,East Africa,East African Common Services Organization - Eighth British Commonwealth,Forestry Conference.

Keay, R.W.J.,1964,Nigerian Trees Vol.2,Nigeria Federal Department of Forest Research, Ibadan

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

Kunkel, G.,1965,The Trees of Liberia,German Forestry Mission to Liberia Report,No.3

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

Murira, K.,1984,Natural Durability Tests of Tanzanian Timbers 1955 - 1982,Tanzania Forestry Research Institute, Timber Utilisation Research Centre,,Moshi.

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

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

Smith, D.N.,1959,The Natural Durability of Timber,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough, Building Research,Establishment Record,No.30

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

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

Takahashi, A.,1975,Compilation of data on the Mechanical Properties of Foreign Woods (Part 2,Central and South America,Shimane University, Japan, Research Report on Foreign Wood No.4

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 Department,1960,The Natural Durability of Local Timbers,Tanzanian Forest Dept. Tech. Note,No.14

Tanzania Forest Department,1966,Flooring Timbers,Tanzania Forest Div. Util. Sec. Moshi - Timbers of Tanganyika

Tanzania Forest Division,1966,Kiln Drying Schedules for Tanzania Timbers Technical Note no.38,Tanzania Forest Div. Util. Sec. Moshi

Tanzania Forest Division,1967,Parinari excelsa (Mubara.Mula,Tanzania Forest Div. Util. Sec. Moshi - Timbers of Tanganyika

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

Uganda Forest Department,1954,Mubura (Parinari holstii,Uganda Forestry Department Timber Leaflet,No.5

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

Vink, A.T.,1965,Surinam Timbers,Surinam Forest Service Paramaribo,3rd rev. ed.

Wangaard, F.F., et al,1954,Properties and Uses of Tropical Woods 4,Tropical Woods,14(99, pp1-187

White, F.,1962,Forest Flora of Northern Rhodesia,O.U.P. London









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

























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