- Species: Derived from Entandrophragma Cylindricum (a member of the mahogany family).
- Origin: Native to Tropical Africa, widely found in countries such as Ghana, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, and Nigeria.
- Durability: High natural durability — resistant to decay, moderately resistant to termites and insects.
- Highlights: Reddish-brown hardwood with interlocked, ribbon-like grain, strong and durable with excellent workability and a smooth, lustrous finish, often likened to mahogany.
- Form: Lumber, Veneer, and Plywood.
- Grade: FAS (First and Seconds).
- Moisture: Kiln-dried (KD) (8 – 12%), or Air-dried (AD); kiln-dried is standard for export to ensure stability.
- Dimensions Available: Sawn Lumber / Boards: Thickness: 2.5 cm, 3.8 cm, 5 cm, 6.3 cm, 7.5 cm / Width: 10 cm – 30 cm / Length: 180 cm – 360 cm (sometimes up to 400 cm). Veneer Sheets: Thickness: 0.05 cm – 0.2 cm / Width: 12 cm – 25 cm / Length: 240 cm – 300 cm. Turning Blanks / Blocks: Square Blocks: 5×5×30 cm, 7.5×7.5×30 cm, 10×10×30 cm. Pen Blanks: 2×2×15 cm. Prefinished Flooring Panels (Engineered/Parquet): Thickness: 1.4 cm – 2 cm / Width: 9 cm – 15 cm / Length: 60 cm – 210 cm.
- Janka Hardness: ~1,410 lbf (6,280 N).
- Grain: Interlocked grain which produces a ribbon or striped figure when quarter-sawn.
- Color: Medium to dark reddish-brown that deepens with age; fresh wood is pinkish or golden-brown.
- Water Resistance: Moderate to good, performs well in humid environments; heartwood resists moisture better than sapwood.
- Certification: FSC certification available.
- Outdoor Suitability: Good, can be used outdoors if properly finished and maintained; resistant to decay but benefits from sealing.
- Indoor Suitability: Excellent, highly valued for fine interiors, joinery, and decorative applications.
- Estimated Prices: Per Cubic Meter (m3) = ~US $3,200 to $11,200+ / Price per Piece = ~US $8 – $22+ (Depending on Size and Grade).
- Use Cases: High-end Furniture, Cabinetry, Flooring and Staircases, Decorative Veneers, Paneling, Doors, Windows, Architectural Millwork, Musical Instruments (e.g., Guitars, Pianos), and Boat Interiors (occasionally).
