AFRORMOSIA

afrormosia TIMBER USES

As afrormosia is a naturally very durable to resistant species, its wood was previously widely used in shipbuilding and served as a substitute for teak. Today, its exploitation and trade are regulated: afrormosia is listed in CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora), appendix2 and in the European Union Regulation, appendix B. Parts of wood and wood-made products which are regulated aredefined by a note: logs, sawing woods and veneers. To trade these parts and products, the exporting or re-exporting countrymust emit a CITES permit or certificate and an importation permit is compulsory to import within the EU.

Afrormosia timber is adapted to various uses:

Structures and panels

• Sliced veneer

Exterior joinery (building facade)

• Cladding and outer coating
• Windows and doors
• Shutters and closures

Carpentry and interior fittings

• Wooden floors
• Interior staircases
• Doors and door frames
• Moulding
• Interior panelling and cladding
• Layout and furnishings
• Furniture and cabinetmaking

Outdoor equipment - Recreation

• Exterior staircases and guard railing
• Single-level terraces and pool areas
• Elevated terraces, balconies and corridors
• Shelters, outdoor furniture and playgrounds
• Gates
• Visual barriers and windbreak panels, pergolas

Shipbuilding

• Boat decks and planking
• Pleasure-boating pontoons

Miscellaneous uses

• Turnery, cutlery and brushmaking

DISTRIBUTION AREA OF afrormosia

Afrormosia is native to the forests of Central and West Africa. Today, only a few natural populations exist, mainly in Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

ECOLOGY and Biology of afrormosia

Afrormosia is found in dense evergreen forests. Natural regeneration of this species is difficult, which is a problem for the maintenance of its population.

DESCRIPTION OF afrormosia TIMBER

• Color: yellow brown
• Sapwood: clearly demarcated
• Texture: fine
• Grain: straight or interlocked
• Interlocked grain: slight

afrormosia : PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

See the Tropix sheet of afrormosia (CIRAD).

afrormosia : NATURAL DURABILITY AND TREATABILITY

• Fungi: class 1-2 - very durable to durable
• Dry wood borers: durable - sapwood demarcated (risk limited to sapwood)
• Termites : class D - durable
• Treatability: class 4 - not permeable
• Use class ensured by natural durability: class 4 - in ground or fresh water
• Species covering the use class 5: No

See the Tropix sheet of afrormosia (CIRAD).

PROCESSING OF afrormosia TIMBER

See the Tropix sheet of afrormosia (CIRAD).

Sources :

• CIRAD
• ATIBT