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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
Numerical Data
Odor
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
Substitutes
Texture
Toxicity
Trade Name
Tree Identification
Tree Size
Turning
Varnishing
Veneering Qualities

Scientific Name
Pericopsis elata

Trade Name
Afrormosia

Family Name
Leguminosae

Common Names
Afrormosia, Anyeran, Asamela, Assamela, Assemela, Awawai, Ayin, Baracara, Benin satinwood, Bohala, Bohalala, Bonsamdua, Devils tree, Egbi, Ejen, Golden afrormosia, Jatobahy do igapo, Kokriki, Kokrodua, Mekoe, Mohole, Obang, Ole, Olel Pardo, Peonio, Redbark, Satinwood, Tento, Wahala, Yellow satinwood

Regions of Distribution
Africa

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

Common Uses
Agricultural implements, Boat building (general), Boat building, Boat building: decking, Boat building: framing, Boxes and crates, Cabinetmaking, Canoes, Carvings, Chairs, Chests, Concealed parts (Furniture), Decks, Decorative veneer, Desks, Dining-room furniture, Domestic flooring, Drawer sides, Excelsior, Figured veneer, Fine furniture, Floor lamps, Flooring, 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, Millwork, Mine timbers, Musical instruments, Office furniture, Parquet flooring, Particleboard, Plywood, Poles, Posts, Radio - stereo - TV cabinets, Railroad ties, Rustic furniture, Shipbuilding, Sporting Goods, Stair rails, Stairworks, Stools, Stringers, Sub-flooring, Tables , Tool handles, Turnery, Utility furniture, Vehicle parts, Veneer, Veneer: decorative, Wardrobes

Environmental Profile

Endangered

Data source is World Conservation Monitoring Center

Afrormosia is Rare within its natural growth range in Cameroon and the Ivory Coast, and its environmental status in Ghana is officially classified as Vulnerable. This species has also been listed in CITES Appendix II for material from West Africa. The appendix includes species that 'May Become Threatened' if their trade is not controlled. An in-country issued export permit is required to verify that the source of material is legal, and its removal will doe not threaten the survival of the species (Source - Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora - CITES - March, 1993)

Distribution Overview
Afrormorsia occurs in the semi-deciduous forests in West and Central Africa, and is found mostly in the Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cameroon, and Congo.

Heartwood Color

Brown

Yellow

Orange

Green/grey

White

Black

Red

Yellow to golden-yellow to orange

Brown

Greenish to greyish

Dark brown

Reddish brown

Purple

The heartwood is initially orange-brown or brown in color, but turns into brownish-yellow, with darker streaks upon exposure. It has also been described as warm crimson-brown, lightened by bands of a bright golden-brown shade. The annual rings are usually distinct because of darker bands of dry-season material. The timber is reported to resemble fine-grained Teak (Tectona grandis) in appearance, but without the oily texture. Tannin in the wood can cause blue stains

Sapwood Color

White

Yellow

Paler than heartwood

White to yellow

Well defined

Same as heartwood

Light brown

Clearly differentiated from the heartwood

Grain

Straight

Interlocked

Figure

Even

Distinct (figure)

Stripe (figure)

Rippled (figure)

Mottled (figure)

Straight

Interlocked

Striped figure

Rippled figure

Distinct figure

Slightly interlocked

Mottled figure

Generally straight, but not always

Wood surfaces are reported to exhibit a rippling sheen because of pores that are scattered evenly in small groups throughout the wood. Quartered surfaces exhibit a mottled figure

Texture

Fine

Medium

Fine

Fine to medium

Medium

Luster

Medium

High

Pronounced

Medium

Natural Durability

Durable

Perishable

Moderately durable

Susceptible to insect attack

Non-durable

Non-resistant to powder post beetles

Non-resistant to termites

Resistant to termites

Very durable

Resistant to attack from termites (Isoptera)

Resistant to attack from marine borers

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

Pinworms (ambrosia beetles) are commonly present

Durable

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

The heartwood is rated as very durable and could last for more than 25 years in contact with the ground. The timber is rarely attacked by marine borers and is highly resistant to attack by termites in West Africa. Afrormosia should not be used in contact with iron and iron compounds under moist conditions, since corrosion will promote discoloration in the wood

Odor

Has an odor

No specific smell or taste

Light-Induced Color Change

None

Darker

Toxicity

Some toxic effects

Unspecified toxicity

Respiratory effects

Dermatitic effects

Poisonous

Sawdust from machining operations is reported to cause eye irritation in some individuals. Good ventilation around working areas is recommended

Kiln Schedules

Dry at a slow speed

UK=J US=T10D5S/T8D4S Fr=4

UK=H US=T10D4S/T8D3S Fr=7

UK=F US=T6D4/T3D3 Fr=6

Kiln Drying Rate (in days) is rather slow

Drying Defects

Distortion

Checking

Collapse

Internal Honeycombing Possible

Slight twist/warp

The timber may distort slightly upon drying

Ease of Drying

Fairly Easy

Moderately Difficult to Difficult

Slowly

Thick Stock Requires Care

Easy

Kiln-Drying is satisfactorily under moderate schedules

Dries slowly with little degrade

The wood ranges from fairly difficult to fairly easy to dry

Kiln Drying Rate

Naturally dries slowly

Drying rate is fairly rapid to fast

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 straight

Bole/stem form is fluted

Bole/stem form is misshapen

Bole/stem form is cylindrical

Tree Size

Trunk diameter is 200-250 cm

Bole length is 10-20 m

Tree height is 20-30 m

Trunk diameter is 100-150 cm

The unbuttressed trees attain heights of 160 feet (49 m). Boles are usually straight and are clear for about 100 feet (30 m). Trunk diameters are reported to to be 48 to 60 inches (120 to 150 cm).

Product Sources
The ITTO reports that timber from this species is produced regularly but in limited quantities. Export of the material is regular.

Adequate quantities of Afrormosia in the form of logs, flitches, and lumber are available at prices that are lower than teak and other comparable exotic hardwoods.

Substitutes
Timbauba (Enterolobium schomburgkii) and Oiticica amarela (Clarisia racemosa)

Comments
General finishing qualities are rated as good

Blunting Effect

Moderate

Little

Blunting effect on machining is moderate

Blunting effect on sawing dry wood is moderate

Medium blunting effect on cutting tools

Blunting is much less pronounced than in Teak.

Boring

Fairly easy to very easy

Tool exits should be supported to prevent break out

Easy

Bored surfaces are generally smooth

Carving

Fairly Easy to Very Easy

Carves well in dry condition

Cutting Resistance

Easy to saw

Cutting Resistance with dry wood is easy

Saws well

Gluing

Fairly Easy to Very Easy

Easy to glue

Glues well

Mortising

Fairly Easy to Very Easy

Support material during mortising to prevent break out.

Good mortising properties

Moulding

Fairly Easy to Very Easy

Good moulding properties

Movement in Service

Fair to Good Stability - Medium Movement

Small

Properly seasoned wood has remarkabe stability, with very little dimensional change in response to fluctuations in atmospheric conditions

Nailing

Fairly Easy to Very Easy

Difficult to nail

Pre-boring recommended

Holds nails well

Planing

Fairly Easy to Very Easy

Fair to Good Results

Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult

Difficult to plane

Responds well to hand and machine tools

Easy to plane

A cutting angle of 20 degrees is recommended to minimize grain tearing during planing

Resistance to Impregnation

Resistant heartwood

Resistant sapwood

Permeable sapwood

Heartwood is extremely resistant

Sapwood is moderately resistant

Softwood is fairly permeable

Resistance to Splitting

Poor

Satisfactory

Response to Hand Tools

Easy to Work

Easy to machine

The wood responds well to hand tools to produce smooth surfaces.

Routing & Recessing

Yields clean surfaces

Sanding

Yields a smooth surface

Yields a clean surface

Fair sanding qualities

Screwing

Good screw holding properties

Turning

Fairly Easy to Very Easy

Fair to Good Results

Easy to turn

Good results

Turns well to yield smooth surfaces

Veneering Qualities

Suitable for peeling

Veneers easily

Suitable for slicing

Veneers moderately easy

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

Moderately easy to veneer

Steam Bending

Poor to Very Poor Results

Moderate

Polishing

Fair to Good Results

Very Good to Excellent Results

Good results

Satisfactory results

Satisfactory polishing properties

Staining

Fair to Good Results

Finish is generally satisfactory

Reacts with Iron to discolour wood

Satisfactory staining properties

Varnishing

Fair to Good Results

Fairly Easy to Very Easy

Strength Properties

Max. crushing strength = high

Mor/Bending strength = high

Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = medium

Hardness (side grain) = medium

Medium

Density (dry weight) = 38-45 lbs/cu. ft.

Shrinkage, Radial = small

Very small

Small

46-52 lbs/cu. ft.

Very small

Shrinkage, Volumetric = moderate

Shrinkage, Tangential = moderate

Moderate

Medium

Low

Fairly large

53-60 lbs/cu. ft.

Very low

Very high

Toughness-Hammer drop (Impact Strength) = medium

Small

Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = high

Max. crushing strength = high

Low

Large

High

Hard

Fairly large

Ending strength in the air-dry condition (about 12 percent moisture content) is very high. Compression strength parallel to grain, or maximum crushing strength, is very high - higher than in Teak or Hard maple. It is fairly hard, resisting wear, denting, and marring fairly well. The weight is high. The wood has high density.
Work to Maximum Load

Numerical Data

Item	Green	Dry	English

Bending Strength	14152	19310	psi
Density		46	lbs/ft3
Hardness		1663	lbs
Impact Strength	52	45	inches
Maximum Crushing Strength	7342	9890	psi
Shearing Strength		2167	psi
Stiffness	1719	1838	1000 psi
Work to Maximum Load	16	17	inch-lbs/in3
Specific Gravity	0.54	0.63
Weight	45	43	lbs/ft3
Radial Shrinkage	3		%
Tangential Shrinkage	6		%
Volumetric Shrinkage	10		%

Item	Green	Dry	Metric

Bending Strength	995	1357	kg/cm2
Density		737	kg/m3
Hardness		754	kg
Impact Strength	131	114	cm
Maximum Crushing Strength	516	695	kg/cm2
Shearing Strength		152	kg/cm2
Stiffness	120	129	1000 kg/cm2
Work to Maximum Load	1.12	1.19	cm-kg/cm3
Specific Gravity	0.54	0.63
Weight	721	689	kg/m3
Radial Shrinkage	3		%
Tangential Shrinkage	6		%

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

Bois et Forets des Tropiques,1956,Asamela (Afrormosia elata,Bios et Forets des Tropiques,No.50,pp17-20

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

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.

Cividini, R.,1967,Studio delle Caratteristiche dei Legni per Pavimenti e Loro Valutazione,Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Rome Contr.Sc-Pract Mig.Cons ed Ut.del,Legno 8(13)

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.,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

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.

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

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

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.

Howland, P.,1979,Pericopsis elata (Afrormosia,C.F.I. University of Oxford, Occasional Paper,No.9

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

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.

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.

Kinloch, D., Miller, W.A.,1949,Gold Coast Timbers,Govt. Printer Gold Coast

Kline, M. 1984. Afrormosia elata - Afrormosia. In A Guide to Useful Woods of the World. Flynn Jr., J.H., Editor. King Philip Publishing Co., Portland, Maine. 1994. Page 25-26.

Kukachka, B.F.,1960,Kokrodua (Afrormosia elata,U.S.A. Department of Agriculture, Forest Products Laboratory, Madison,,Foreign Wood Series,No.1978

Kukachka, B.F.,1962,Characters of Some Imported Woods,U.S.A. Department of Agriculture, Forest Products Laboratory, Madison,,Foreign Wood Series,No.2242

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.

Oliver, A.C.,1974,Timber for Marine and Freshwater Construction,TRADA, London

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

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

South African Lumber Millers Assoc.,1969,Notes on some Commercially Available Hardwoods,S.A.L.M.A. Timber Info. Centre Timber Technical Guide,No.1

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

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

Titmuss, F.H.,1965,Commercial Timbers of the World,Technical Press Ltd., London, 3rd edition

U.S.D.A. Forest Service,1974,Wood Handbook,U.S.A. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Handbook,72

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

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