Exotic Woods Trading
BOTANICAL NAMES
Microberlinia brazzavillensis
FAMILY
Member of the Fabaceae-Caesalpinioideae family
COMMERCIAL NAMES
Zingana, Zebrano, Zebrawood
NATIVE NAMES
Zebrano allene, ele, amouk (Cameroon)
Zebrawood (UK, USA)
Zingana (France, Gabon)
SPECIES APPLICATIONS/ USES
HIGH CLASS FURNITURE – TURNED GOODS – TOOL HANDLES – INTERIOR PANELLING – CABINETWORK – SLICED VENEER – BOATBUILDING - SKIS
RANGE
It is present throughout the equatorial forest, specially in Gabon and Cameroon Republic.
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The heartwood is a light golden-yellow with narrow veining streaks of dark brown to almost black, giving the quartered surfaces a zebra-stripe appearance. Depending on whether the wood is flatsawn or quartersawn, the stripes can be either chaotic and wavy (flatsawn), or somewhat uniform (quartersawn).The grain is interlocked or wavy and produces alternating hard and soft grained material which makes the timber difficult to work. Zebrano has a coarse texture and a lustrous surface. Has an unpleasant odor that disappears after drying.
Moderately stable, heartwood is rated as durable and is also resistant to insect damage.
DRYING
The material is difficult to dry and requires care in order to avoid surface checking, splitting and distortion. There is small movement in service.
SPECIFIC WEIGHT
With a moisture content of 12%, specific weight, with an average of 860 kg per cubic meter.
PRINCIPAL USES AND PROCESSING TECHNIQUES
This timber is hard, heavy and stable and it is mainly used for decorative purposes due to its nature; where strength and mechanical properties are unimportant. Although Zebrano works fairly readily with hand or machine tools, it is very difficult to get a good finish from machines due to the alternative nature of the grain. A belt sander will provide a smooth finish. Gluing is satisfactory with care and it finishes well once filled. Has a characteristic, unpleasant smell when being worked.
Zingana
