Exotic Woods Trading

BOTANICAL NAMES

Erythrophloeum ivorense – Erythrophloeum suaveolens –

Erythrophloeum guineense

 

FAMILY

Member of the Cesalpinaceae family

 

COMMERCIAL NAMES

Tali – Italy, Belgium, Germany
Kassa – Spain, France 

 

Sasswood – England

 

NATIVE NAMES

N’Kassa – Rep. CongoElone, Eloum – Cameroon and GabonAlui, Tali – Ivory CoastErun – NigeriaGogwi, Gluu, Gli, Zutu – LiberiaElondo – Equatorial Guinea

 

SPECIES APPLICATIONS/ USES

CONSTRUCTION AND SUPPORTING STRUCTURES – BRIDGES – HEAVY EXTERIOR WOODEN STRUCTURAL WORK – RAILWAY SLEEPERS – DECKING – FLOORING – TRUCK FLOORS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RANGE

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

 

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Sapwood and heartwood are well-demarcated. The thin sapwood is a creamy yellow, while the heartwood is yellowish brown with reddish reflections. Exposure to the air causes the heartwood to darken from red-brown to purple tones. The wood varies from hard to very hard, with a coarse texture and very irregular, often interlocked grain. Very resistant to the elements and extremely resistant to fungus and insect attacks.

 

DRYING

Air drying is very slow, with no significant warping or splitting. Kiln drying requires very long cycles to guarantee a slow, regular decrease in moisture.

 

SPECIFIC WEIGHT

With a moisture content of 12%, specific weight ranges from 800 to 1080 kg per cubic meter, with an average of 940 kg per cubic meter.

 

PRINCIPAL USES AND PROCESSING TECHNIQUES

Because it is so hard, the wood is difficult to saw. It is thus recommended to saw freshly cut logs. Nails and screws can be used only if holes are first drilled.