BOTANICAL NAMES

Staudtia stipitata / Staudtia kamerunensis

 

FAMILY

Member of the Myristicaceae  family

 

COMMERCIAL NAMES

Niové

 

NATIVE NAMES

M’Bonda, Kamashi, Oropa, Ekop

 

SPECIES APPLICATIONS/ USES

EXTERIOR JOINERY – INTERIOR JOINERY – BRIDGES – SLEEPERS – STAIRS – SHIP BUILDING – DECKING – FLOORING – FURNITURE – SEATS – HEAVY CARPENTRY – INDUSTRIAL OR HEAVY FLOORING  – PANELLING – VEHICLE OR CONTAINER FLOORING

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RANGE

It is present throughout the equatorial forest, from north of the Gulf of Guinea to Tanzania in moist forests.

 

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The heartwood is red-brown to orange-brown with darker brown streaks. The 80-100 mm thick, light coloured sapwood merges into a light orange-yellow transitional zone which can be quite thick between the heartwood and the sapwood. Niové’s heartwood is a fresh orange-brown in colour, darkening to light red-brown to dark red-brown, sometimes showing darker streaks on the quarter cuts. Sanded heartwood has a color similar to Teak which when finished, with a clear water based polyurethane finish, highlights the rich qualities of the wood and produces a wood that resembles American black cherry in color, grain, and texture. A very attractive wood. Light sanding produces a very smooth surface. The surface is slightly lustrous and occasionally oily. One of the best woods for exterior use. Excellent weathering properties. Freshly cut, Niové has a peppery smell. This is an excellent substitute for American Black Cherry. Durable, resistant to decay and insect attack.  

 

DRYING

Kiln drying is advised. Drying needs to be slow to avoid checking and shakes. Small movement in service.

 

SPECIFIC WEIGHT

With a moisture content of 12%, specific weight ranges from 800 to 1000 kg per cubic meter, with an average of 850 kg per cubic meter.

 

PRINCIPAL USES AND PROCESSING TECHNIQUES

Niove is fairly easy to work with hand and machine tools, despite it hardness. It can be brought to a smooth finish. Nails and screws fairly well, but pre-boring is advised to avoid spliting tendencies. Due to natural oilness, glueing can be a problem unless surface is properly prepared. Sands to a clean and smooth finish with good polishing capabilities.