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
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
Texture
Toxicity
Trade Name
Tree Identification
Tree Size
Turning
Veneering Qualities

Scientific Name
Pterocarpus angolensis

Trade Name
Muninga

Family Name
Leguminosae

Wood Image 1

Wood Image 1

Wood Image 1

Wood Image 1

Common Names
Ambila, Bloodwood, Brown African padauk, Girassonde, Imbilo, Kajaat, Kajat, Kajatenhout, Kejaat, Kiaat, Kiatt, Maninga, Mavamaropa, Mbila, Mlombwa, Mninga, Moroto, Mtumbati, Mukurambira, Mukwa, Mulambi, Mulombe, Mulombwa, Munhaneca, Muninga, Mutete, Mututi, Muzwamaloa, N'dombe, Rhodesian walnut, Sealing wax tree, Thondo, Thondu, Thordo, Transvaal kajatenhout, Umbila, Umvagaz, Umvangazi

Regions of Distribution
Africa

Countries of Distribution  [VIEW MAP]
Angola, Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Common Uses
Agricultural implements, Beehives, Boat building (general), Boat building, Boat building: decking, Boat building: framing, Boxes and crates, Broom handles, Cabinetmaking, Canoes, Carvings, Chairs, Chests, Coffins, Concealed parts (Furniture), Decorative veneer, Desks, Dining-room furniture, Domestic flooring, Dowell pins, Dowells, Drawer sides, Excelsior, Figured veneer, Fine furniture, Floor lamps, Flooring, Flooring: commercial heavy traffic, Furniture , Furniture components, Furniture squares or stock, Furniture, Hatracks, Heavy construction, Joinery (external): ground contact, Joinery, Kitchen cabinets, Lifeboats, Light construction, Living-room suites, Mathematical instruments, Medicinal use, Mine timbers, Musical instruments, Musical instruments: percussion, Office furniture, Paneling, Parquet flooring, Plywood, Pulp/Paper products, Radio - stereo - TV cabinets, Railroad ties, Rustic furniture, Shipbuilding, Sporting Goods, Stools, Sub-flooring, Tables , Tool handles, Toys, Turnery, Utility furniture, Vehicle parts, Veneer, Veneer: decorative, Wardrobes, Wheel spokes, Wheels

Environmental Profile
Rare
Generally widespread, secure, and abundant within most of its range
Data source is World Conservation Monitoring Center


Distribution Overview
The species occurs widely throughout south-central Africa, and is commonly found in savannah woodland.

Heartwood Color
White
Brown
Ages to dark rich shade of reddish-brown upon exposure
Yellow to golden-yellow to orange
Dark brown
Red
Pale brown
Pale red to pink
Purple
Large color variation
Golden brown
Dark streaks irregularly spaced
Brown - purple
Brown - chocolate


Sapwood Color
White
White to yellow
Well defined
Paler than heartwood
Yellow
White/Gray
Pinkish
Different than heartwood


Grain
Interlocked
Figure
Straight
Distinct (figure)
Mottled (figure)
Even
Closed
Variable (figure)
Stripe (figure)
Rippled (figure)
Other (figure)
Wavy

Interlocked
Straight
Distinct figure
Mottled figure
Variable figure
Striped figure
Wavy
Straight to interlocked
Rippled figure
Other figure

Often an attractive and decorative wavy, mottled, or striped figure.

Texture
Medium
Coarse
Medium
Medium to coarse
Fine
Fine to medium


Luster
Low
Dull
Slightly lustrous
Lustrous


Natural Growth Defects
Whitish deposits in vessels
Gum/resin streaks
Gum and mineral deposits


Natural Durability
Perishable
Non-durable
Very durable
Resistant to attack from termites (Isoptera)
Susceptible to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles
Durable
Resistant to wood staining fungal attack
Resistant to attack from marine borers
Moderately resistant to termite (Isoptera) attack
Moderately durable
Susceptible to marine borer attack
Sapwood susceptible to attack by powder post beetles
Naturally resistant
Moderate to high resistance to termite and marine borer attack


Odor
Fragrant odor


Light-Induced Color Change
Lighter


Toxicity
Respiratory effects
Dermatitic effects

May cause nasal irritation and bronchial asthma in some individuals.

Kiln Schedules
Dry at a slow speed
UK=J US=T10D5S/T8D4S Fr=4
Kiln Drying Rate (in days) is slow
UK=B US=T2d2/T2C1 Fr=2
Kiln Drying Rate (in days) is rather slow
Dry at a moderate speed
T8 - D4S (8/4) US
T10 - D55 (4/4) US
Shrinkage (Radial & Tangential) is often greater than 5%
Schedule J - United Kingdom
Kiln Drying Rate (in days) is fairly rapid


Drying Defects
Splitting
Distortion
No surface checking
No end splitting
Slight surface checking
Slight end splitting
No twisting or warping
No cupping, generally
No collapse/honeycomb
Generally free from spring and bow
Moderate surface checking
Little or no degrade


Ease of Drying
Rapidly
Reconditioning Treatement
Little degrade
Fairly Easy
Easy
Difficult
Moderate
Dries slowly with little degrade


Kiln Drying Rate
Slow (18-28 days for boards < 32 mm, to 52-84 days for boards >= 63 mm)
Very slow (>28 days for boards < 32 mm, to >84 days for boards >= 63 mm)
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 straight


Tree Size
Trunk diameter is 100-150 cm


Comments
General finishing qualities are rated as good

General finishing qualities are rated as satisfactory

Timber produced by species from Zimbabwe is generally lighter and softer than those from other African countries.

Blunting Effect
Blunting effect on machining is moderate
Blunting effect on sawing green wood is moderate
Slight to moderate buckles and splits
Blunting effect on sawing green wood is mild
Blunting effect on sawing dry wood is moderate
Blunting effect on sawing dry wood is mild
Blunting effect on machining is slight


Boring
Fairly easy to very easy
Easy


Carving
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Fair to Good Results
Fairly easy with ordinary tools


Cutting Resistance
Easy to saw
Cutting Resistance with green wood is easy
Cutting Resistance with dry wood is easy
Satisfactory sawing characteristics
Cutting Resistance with dry wood is moderate


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


Mortising
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Easy to mortise
Finishes well


Moulding
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Good finishing results
Easy to mould
The end-grain, figure, or quartersawn material require special care


Movement in Service
Excellent Stability - Small Movement
Fair to Good Stability - Medium Movement
Small
Stable
Retain shape after manufacture
Dimensionally stable after seasoning


Nailing
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Easy to nail
Holds nails well
Possible if prebored
Holds satisfactorily
Thin-guage nails recommended


Planing
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Fair to Good Results
Planes well, to a good finish
Ease of planing is moderate
Easy to plane
Reduction of cutting angle recommended
Figured and quartersawn material are harder to work with


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


Resistance to Splitting
Poor
Good


Response to Hand Tools
Responds Readily
Easy to machine
Moderate working qualities
Moderate blunting effect on cutting edges
Good response


Routing & Recessing
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Routing yields good results
Routing is easy


Sanding
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Fairly good sanding characteristics


Screwing
Fair to Good Results
Easy to screw
Screwing yields good results
Possible if prebored


Turning
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Good results
Easy to turn
Moderate blunting effect on cutting edges


Veneering Qualities
Easy to cut
Suitable for slicing
Suitable for peeling


Steam Bending
Poor
Moderate
Good
Buckling and fiber rupture may occur
Boring, mortising, and other machining properties are generally satisfactory


Painting
Good results


Polishing
Good results


Staining
Stains well
Finish is generally good


Strength Properties
Density (dry weight) = 38-45 lbs/cu. ft.
Density (dry weight) = 31-37 lbs/cu. ft.
Max. crushing strength = medium
Density (dry weight) = 46-52 lbs/cu. ft.
Shrinkage, Tangential = very small
Shrinkage, Radial = very small
Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = very low
Max. crushing strength = high
Bending strength (MOR) = high
Hardness (side grain) = medium
Bending strength (MOR) = medium
Toughness-Hammer drop (Impact Strength) = medium
Toughness-Hammer drop (Impact Strength) = low
Toughness (total work) = medium
Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = medium
Max. crushing strength = low
Toughness (total work) = high
Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = high
Hardness (side grain) = hard
Toughness (total work) = low
Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = low
Resists denting and marring
Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = low
Heavy
Hardness (side grain) = soft
Density = high
Compression strength (parallel to grain) = high


Numerical Data
ItemGreenDryEnglish
Bending Strength1197816276psi
Crushing Strength1468psi
Density39lbs/ft3
Hardness1564lbs
Impact Strength3832inches
Maximum Crushing Strength57288354psi
Shearing Strength2171psi
Static Bending7820psi
Stiffness110713181000 psi
Toughness241inch-lbs
Work to Maximum Load1012inch-lbs/in3
Specific Gravity0.520.59
Weight4239lbs/ft3
Radial Shrinkage2%
Tangential Shrinkage4%
ItemGreenDryMetric
Bending Strength8421144kg/cm2
Crushing Strength103kg/cm2
Density624kg/m3
Hardness709kg
Impact Strength9681cm
Maximum Crushing Strength402587kg/cm2
Shearing Strength152kg/cm2
Static Bending549kg/cm2
Stiffness77921000 kg/cm2
Toughness277cm-kg
Work to Maximum Load0.700.84cm-kg/cm3
Specific Gravity0.520.59
Weight673624kg/m3
Radial Shrinkage2%

References
Alan Schwartz. Rio Rivuma, Boston, MA. Personal Communication, 1993.

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]

Banks, C.H.,1970,The Durability of South African Wood and Wood Base Building Materials,South African Forestry Journal,No.75

Bodig, J. and B. A. Jayne. 1982. Mechanics of Wood and Wood Composites. Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, New York.

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

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

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.

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

Clifford, N.,1957,Timber Identification for the Builder and Architect,Leonard Hill (Books) LTD. London

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

Desch, H.E.,1951,Manual of Commercial Timbers,The Author Crockham Hill, Kent,Vol.1

Duff, C.E.,1944,Termite Resistance Test on the Copperbelt of Northern Rhodesia,Empire Forestry Journal,23(2,pp160-2

Farmer, R.H.,1972,Handbook of Hardwoods,HMSO

Findlay, W.P.K.,1938,The Natural Resistance to Decay of some Empire Timbers,Empire Forestry Journal,17,pp249 - 259

Findlay, W.P.K.,1975,Timber: Properties and Uses,Crosby Lockwood Staples London,224PP

Flamwell, C.T.,1958,The Working Properties of Brachystegia spiciformis,Tanzania Forest Division Util. Sec. Moshi Technical Note,No.10

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

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

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

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.

Howard, A.L.,1948,A Manual of Timbers of the World.,Macmillan & Co. Ltd. London 3rd ed.

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.

McCoy-Hill, M.,1954,Timbers of Tanganyika - Brachylaena hutchinsii and Pterocarpus angolensis,Timber Technology,62(2185, p559

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

Pardy, A.A.,1951,Notes on Indigenous Trees and Shrubs in Southern Rhodesia - Pterocarpus,angolensis,Ministry of Agriculture and Lands S. Rhodesia Bulletin No.1592

Patterson, D.N.,1963,The strength of Kenya timbers, their derivation and application,Kenya Forestry Department Research Bulletin,No.23

Patterson, D.,1988,Commercial Timbers of the World, 5th Edition,Gower Technical Press

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

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]

Scott, M.H.,1953,Utilisation Notes on South African Timbers,South African Forestry Department Bulletin No.36

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

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

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 - Timber Marketing Co. Ltd.,1978,Timber from Tanzania

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

Tanzanian Forest Department, Pterocarpus angolensis,Tanzania Forest Div. Util. Sect. Moshi - Timbers of Tanganika

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

Timber Information Assoc. Ltd.,1947,Notes on East African Timbers,TRADA, Timber Information, No.28

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

Wood, A.D.,1963,Plywoods of the World: Their Development, Manufacture and,Application,Johnston & Bacon Ltd. Edinburgh & London









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

























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