Distribution: Central
and tropical West Africa; common in dense equatorial rain
forests, often in small groups.
General Characteristics: Reaches
a height of 100 to 130 ft, bole straight, cylindrical,
and clear to 70 ft; trunk diameters 2 to 4 ft, sometimes
to 5 ft. Heartwood vivid red when freshly cut darkening
to a purple brown on exposure; sapwood 4 to 8 in. wide,
whitish to brown yellow, distinct. Texture is coarse; grain
is straight to interlocked; lustrous; faint aromatic scent
when freshly cut. Sawdust may cause respiratory problems.
Weight: Basic specific gravity
(ovendry weight/green volume) 0.55 to 0.67; air-dry density
42 to 51 pcf.
Working Properties: Saws
well but requires slow feed, easy to machine but with some
tearing of interlocked grain, takes a good finish, glues
easily and holds nails and screws satisfactorily.
Durability: Heartwood is
very durable and very resistant to termite attack. Excellent
weathering properties.
Preservation: Heartwood
is very resistant to preservative treatments; sapwood moderately
resistant.
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