Exotic Woods Trading

BOTANICAL NAMES

Chlorophora excelsa – Chlorophora regia

 

FAMILY

Member of the Moraceae family

 

COMMERCIAL NAMES

Iroko – Italy. Belgium, France, Germany
Kamba – Spain
Odum – England, United States

 

NATIVE NAMES

Kambala, Molundu – Dem. Rep. Congo
Lusanga – Rep. Congo
Abang – Cameroon, Gabon
Iroko – Ivory Coast
Odum – Ghana
Guuw – Liberia
Simmé – Equatorial Guinea

 

SPECIES APPLICATIONS / USES

CONSTRUCTION – DIY – EXTERIOR DOORS – GARDEN FURNITURE – WINDOWS – PARQUET – PANELS – VENEER – RAILWAY SLEEPERS – HYDRAULIC APPLICATIONS – NAVAL CONSTRUCTION – STAIRS – BARRELS – TENT PEGS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RANGE

African equatorial forests and gallery forests throughout the equatorial region.

 

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Sapwood and heartwood are very well demarcated; the sapwood is a creamy yellow or whitish color, while the heartwood, which has an oily appearance, is greenish yellow when freshly cut, going to yellow-brown after exposure to air. The wood is of average hardness, with a medium to coarse texture and irregular veining. It is similar in appearance to teak and less expensive but is not as durable.
It is not at all affected by the elements, even in humid environments, and is very resistant to fungi and insect attacks.

 

DRYING

Both air and kiln-drying are easy. No warping.

 

SPECIFIC WEIGHT

With a moisture content of 12%, the specific weight ranges from 560 to 750 kg per cubic meter, with an average of 660 kg per cubic meter.

 

PRINCIPAL USES AND PROCESSING TECHNIQUES

The wood is used for a variety of purposes including boat-building, domestic flooring and furniture. From the late 90s, it was used as part of the txalaparta, a Basque musical instrument constructed of wooden boards, due to its lively sound. Sawing presents no particular difficulties, apart from the presence of calcium carbonate deposits that may cause the saw teeth to break. The use of nails and screws is easy and the hold more than satisfactory. Slicing also produces fair results. Dense graining and high oil content make it quite durable for external use. Unlike teak but in common with most other timber, Iroko requires regular treatment with oil or varnish when used outdoors.