Distribution: Sierra
Leone and Liberia to Gabon. K. anthotheca then extends eastward
to Uganda and inhabits lower rainfall regions than K. ivorensis.
General Characteristics: Reaches
heights of 180 to 200 feet; boles are straight, cylindrical,
and clear 90 ft; trunk diameters are 3 ft to 6 ft buttressed.
Heartwood is light pinkish brown darkening upon exposure
to reddish brown; sapwood whitish or yellowish, not always
sharply demarcated. Texture is medium to course; grain
is straight to interlocked, producing a stripe figure;
lustrous. Brittle heart present in some logs. Dust from
K. anthotheca may be a skin irritant.
Weight: Basic specific gravity
(ovendry weight/green volume) 0.44; air-dry density 32
pcf.
Working Properties: Rather
variable, the lumber tends to woolliness and torn grain,
sharp thin-edged cutters are suggested, and a cutting angle
of 20 degrees in planning is recommended. Nailing and gluing
properties are good; an excellent finish is readily obtainable.
Easy to slice and peel.
Durability: Heartwood is
rated as moderately durable, prone to buprestid and termite
attack. Sapwood is liable to powder-post beetle attack.
Preservation: Heartwood
is extremely resistant to preservation treatments; sapwood
moderately resistant.
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