• Anigre
• Blackwood African
• Bubinga
• Ebony
• Iroko
• Limba
• Mahogany African
• Makore / African Cherry
• Mansonia
• Paduak African
• Rosewood Madagascar
• Sapele
• Wenge
• Zebrawood

Common Names:   African mahogany Akuk Bandoro Benin mahogany Bisselon Bitehi Diala iri Eri Kiree Khaya mahogany Ogwango Senegal mahogany Purchase Mahogany African

Mechanical Values

Environmental Profile
The environmental status of this species within its natural growth range is given as unknown because of lack of information (Source - World Conservation Monitoring Center - 1992 ).

Distribution
The species is reported to be found in all the timber producing areas of West Africa, from Ivory Coast to Gabon and Cabinda, and is primarily found in the Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Nigeria. Unlike other Khaya species which do not require much rainfall, it is reported to grow in the rain forest in low-lying areas within its range. 

Product Sources
Although the species makes up most of the African mahogany on the international market, it is usually sold in a mixture with other Khaya species including K. anthotheca , K. grandifoliola , and K. senegalensis . Origin of consignment can sometimes help identify specific Khaya species. This may be valuable since differences in some properties can be appreciable. Supplies in the lumber form are reported to be quite abundant, and can be found in a wide range of sizes at moderate prices. They are also available in plywood form from many lumber suppliers. African mahogany is reported to be frequently used to replace American mahogany because it is cheaper and more abundant, and can also be used for the same applications. 

The following species in the database is reported to be similar in color and appearance to the African mahoganies. It is also reported to be as tough:
Crabwood (Carapa guianensis )

The following species in the database is reported to be superior in strength properties to African mahogany:
Sapele (Entandrophragma cylindricum )

Stained timber of the following species in the database is reported to be so similar in appearance to African mahogany that it sometimes requires an expert to detect the difference:
African canarium (Canarium schweinfurthii )

Tree Data
The tree is reported to reach heights of 110 to 140 feet (33 to 43 m), with trunk diameters of up to 6 feet (1.8 m). The tree usually develops straight, well-formed boles that measure about 40 to 80 feet (12 to 24 m) above strong buttresses that are reported to be up to 8 feet (2.5 m) high.

Sapwood Color
The sapwood is described as creamy-white or yellowish in color, and is not always distinct from the heartwood. It is usually about 2 inches (5 cm) wide.

Heartwood Color
Color is reported to change from light pinkish-brown when freshly cut to a dark reddish shade, usually with a purplish cast, upon exposure. The yellowish-brown color that is present in the paler shades of American mahoganies is reported to be very rare.

Grain
The grain is typically interlocked, but is sometimes straight. Interlocked grain usually produces a striped or roey figure on quartersawn surfaces. Swirl and crotch figures are also reported to be common.

Texture
Texture is reported to vary, but is often moderately coarse.

Odor
There is no distinct odor or taste.

Luster
Luster has been decsribed as high and golden.

Abnormal Growth Features
Some logs may have brittleheart which can cause thundershakes, or cross-breaks, or heart-breaks. The defect is reported to be more common in figured logs. 

Ease of Drying
The timber is reported to dry at a fairly rapid rate with little degrade, except when tension wood is present.

Drying Defects
Strongly developed tension wood may cause excessive distortion during drying.
Shrinkage from Green to 12% MC
Radial - 2.5%
Tangential - 4.5%

Kiln Schedules
T6 - D4 (4/4); T3 - D3 (8/4) US
Schedule F (4/4) United Kingdom

Movement in Service
The wood is reported to retain its shape well after seasoning, and shows only small movement in use.

T/R Ratio
2.00
This indicator is more meaningful if it is used together with other drying information and actual shrinkage data in the tangential and radial directions. (Refer to the Numerical Values window).

Natural Durability
Trees and logs are reported to be vulnerable to attack by forest longhorn and Buprestid beetles, and the sapwood is easily attacked by powder-post beetles and the common furniture beetle. The wood is reported to be resistant to termite attack in West Africa and heartwood resistance to decay is rated as moderate.

Resistance to Impregnation
The heartwood is reported to be highly resistant to preservative treatment, and the sapwood is moderately resistant.

Tension Wood
Abnormal wood tissue in the form of tension wood and brittleheart is sometimes present.

Cutting Resistance
Cross-cutting and narrow-bandsawing are both rated as satisfactory.

Blunting Effect
The wood is reported to have moderate dulling effect on cutting edges.

Planing
Machining properties are reported to be affected by interlocked grain and by the woolly nature of the stock being worked. A reduced cutting angle of 20 degrees has been recommended in planing to prevent grain from tearing.

Turning
Turning and other woodworking operations such as mortising, boring, and sanding are all reported to be satisfactory, except in woolly material.

Moulding
Square block is reported to cause the most tearing and French head is not recommended for woolly stock.

Gluing
Gluing properties are reported to be satisfactory.

Nailing
Nailing qualities are reported to be generally satisfactory. Non-ferrous or coated fastenings have been recommended to prevent dark stains on the wood since it reacts with iron under damp conditions. 

Polishing
The wood is reported to have good polishing characteristics.

Staining
Staining properties are rated as good.

Response to Hand Tools
Heavily interlocked material is reported to be difficult to surface without tearing, but the wood is generally easy to work.

Steam Bending
The wood is not recommended for steam bending applications since it buckles severely. A supporting strap is reported to give no advantage.

Strength Properties
Strength properties of K. ivorensis are reported to be halfway between those of Obeche (Triplochiton scleroxylon ) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica ). It has medium bending strength in the air-dry condition, and crushing strength is also medium. It also has moderate properties in hardness and weight. Density is high.