Distribution: The
species is reported to be distributed in West Africa, especially
in Gabon and Cameroon. It is sometimes found in pure stands
along river banks, but growing sites are reported to be often
quite inaccessible.
General Characteristics: Trunk
diameters are reported to be about 48 to 60 inches (120
to 150 cm). The trees usually have very thick barks, which
are removed at felling sites. The heartwood is light golden-yellow
or pale yellow-brown in color, with narrow-veining or streaks
of dark brown to almost black, giving a zebra-stripe appearance;
the sapwood is whitish in color. Texture is typically medium
to coarse; the grain is usually interlocked or wavy, which
yields a ribbon figure; the wood is reported to have a
high luster. Green wood has an odor that has been characterized
as unpleasant. The odor disappears after drying.
Weight: Basic specific gravity
(ovendry weight/green volume) 0.74; air-dry density 53
pcf.
Working Properties: The
material is reported to be very easy to saw but cross-cutting
may produce rough surfaces. It is reported to saw easily
in the seasoned contion. Large trees are reported to often
suffer damage in the form internal fractures which remain
hidden until logs are processed. Planing is reported to
be rather difficult. Material containing interlocked grain
may tear badly, but torn surfaces can be smoothed by sanding.
The wood is reported to work well in most machining operations
including, turning, boring, moulding, mortising, and routing.
It responds well to most ordinary tools, with moderate
dulling of cutting edges. Torn surfaces are reported to
be a common machining defect in material with interlocked
grain. The wood is reported to have good gluing properties,
but may need filling. The wood has good sanding properties
and the operation is is reported to be often required to
clean fuzzy surfaces produced from other machining operations.
The use of a belt sander has been recommended. The wood
has good finishing and polishing characteristics. Varnishing
characteristics are reported to be good.
The material responds well to hand tools.
Durability: The wood is
reported to be resistant to termites, but is susceptible
to occasional pinhole borer attack.
Preservation: The heartwood
is reported to be highly resistant to preservative treatment.
The sapwood is treatable.
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