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Mansonia
(Mansonia
altissimai)
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| Common
Names: |
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Aprono
Bete
Koul
Mansonia
Ofun
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- Mechanical Values
| Category |
Green |
Dry |
Units |
| Weight |
50 |
40 |
lbs/cu.ft. |
| Density (air-dry) |
|
40 |
lbs/cu.ft. |
| Specific Gravity |
0.54 |
0.59 |
|
| Hardness |
|
1290 |
lbs |
| Stiffness |
1498 |
1691 |
1000 psi |
| Bending Strength |
12350 |
16815 |
psi |
| Shearing Strength |
|
1971 |
psi |
| Max. Crushing
Strength |
6144 |
8160 |
psi |
| Work to Maximum Load |
16 |
18 |
in-lbs/in3 |
| Radial Shrinkage
(G->OD) |
|
4 |
% |
| Tangential Shrink.
(G->OD) |
|
7 |
% |
| Volumetric Shrink
(G->OD) |
|
10 |
% |
- Environmental
Profile
The environmental profile of this species within its
natural boundaries has not been officially assessed.
Distribution
Mansonia is reported to occur in tropical West
Africa, from Ivory Coast to Cameroon, and is found
especially in southern Nigeria, the Ivory Coast and
Ghana. It is reported to grow in the deciduous
forest types in its range.
Product Sources
It is currently unknown whether material from this
species is available from sustainably managed,
recycled, salvaged, or other environmentally
responsible sources.
The International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO)
reports that the species is a regular source of
timber for export. Export of the material in the log
form is prohibited in Ghana and Nigeria.
Mansonia is reported to be available in limited
quantities in both the lumber and veneer forms. It
is reported to be priced in the moderate range, but
is more expensive than American black walnut.
Properties of the following species in the database
are reported to be similar to those of Mansonia:
Piquia (Caryocar villosum )
Tree Data
The tree, which is usually buttressed, has a clear
and straight bole with a diameter between 24 and 42
inches (60 and 100 cm), and a height from 100 to 120
feet (30 to 36 m).
Sapwood Color
The sapwood is usually white in color, and is
sharply demarcated from the heartwood.
Heartwood Color
The heartwood varies from yellow-brown to dark
gray-brown to light mauve in color, and is often
purplish with lighter or darker bands. The purple
color is reported to fade after prolonged exposure.
Color variation is reported to be rather
significant.
Grain
The grain is generally straight, but may be crossed.
The heartwood is reported to be similar in
appearance to American black walnut, but it has
closer pores and a different grain structure.
Texture
Texture is medium and even.
Luster
The wood has a low to medium luster.
Odor
There is no distinct odor or taste.
Ease of Drying
The material is reported to dry well and at a fairly
rapid rate, but it requires care.
Drying Defects
Knots in the wood may split, existing splits and
shakes may extend, and some distortion in length may
occur during drying. There is also a tendency for
the wood to warp.
Kiln Schedules
T10 - D4s (4/4); T8 - D3s (8/4) US
Kiln Schedule H; United Kingdom
Movement in Service
Seasoned wood is reported to have moderate
dimenmsional stability, and shows medium movement in
use.
T/R Ratio
1.75
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
Mansonia is reported to be resistant to termites,
but it is susceptible to pin hole borer and longhorn
beetle attack.
Resistance to Impregnation
The heartwood is highly resistant to impregnation.
The sapwood is permeable.
Weathering Properties
Mansonia is reported to have good weathering
qualities, and is reported to be suitable for
shingles.
Toxic Constituents
Fine dust produced from machining operations is
reported to be extremely irritating, especially to
respiratory passages. The bark of the wood also
contains mansonin, a cardiac poison of the digitalis
group. Use of face masks and barrier skin creams is
recommended.
Blunting Effect
The wood exerts a slight to medium blunting effect
on cutting tools.
Cutting Resistance
The wood has low resistance to sawing with little to
medium blunting effect on cutters.
Planing
The material is reported to plane readily to yield
clean, smooth surfaces.
Turning
Turning characteristics are rated as good.
Moulding
The material is reported to respond very well to
moulding.
Boring
Boring qualities are reported to be very good.
Routing & Recessing
The timber is reported to have good routing
properties.
Mortising
Mortising properties are rated as good.
Carving
The wood responds well to carving.
Gluing
Gluing characteristics are reported to be good.
Nailing
Nailing properties are rated as good.
Screwing
The wood screws very well.
Sanding
The timber is reported to sand to provide a smooth,
clean surface.
Polishing
The wood has good polishing characteristics.
Staining
Staining characteristics are reported to be good.
Steam Bending
Knot-free material is reported to have good steam
bending properties. To avoid buckling and fracture,
it is recommended that bending be performed when the
wood is green.
Response to Hand Tools
The wood is easy to work with all hand tools.
Strength Properties
Mansonia is reported to have high bending strength,
low stiffness, medium resistance to shock, and high
crushing strength. Most of its strength properties
are about equal to those of American black walnut (Juglans
nigra), except that it is about 30 percent more
resistant to shock and 15 percent stronger in
bending. It is fairly hard, resisting wear, denting,
and marring fairly well. It is a heavy wood, with
high density. Mansonia is reported to be used by the
automobile industry for interior applications such
as, fascias, dashboards, and window trims.
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