Each has unique characteristics of color, fragrance, firmness, strength, hardness, and weather resistance. All are available in selected size ranges, and custom orders.

(AFZELIA QUANZENSIS)

Family: Leguminosae (legume)

Other Names: Pod-Mahogany, mahogany bean, peulmanhonia, mkehli.

Distribution: The species Afzelia can be found in the West, Central, and East African regions of sub-Saharan Africa. The species A. quanzensis is distributed in both lowland rain and dry forest and savannas in the coastal belt of eastern Africa from Kenya to Mozambique and South Africa.

The Tree: This is a very large and spreading tree raching heights of 70-80 ft (21-24m). However, its straight bole rarely exceeds 12-20 ft (3.7-6.1m). Its diameter can swell to 4 ft (1.2m) in ideal growing conditions. The greenish-gray bark tends to flake in circular patches giving the tree a distinctive pitted effect. The leaves are alternate, compound, with 4-6 pairs of opposite or nearly opposite oblong-elliptic leaflets. The fruit is a large, flat, dark brown, thickly wooded pod. Embedded in a white pith inside the pod are 6-10 distinctive dark blackish-brown seeds. The seeds are used for necklaces and sold as curios.

The Timber: It is light-colored when freshly sawn and turns to a rich reddish-brown when exposed to the air. It has the appearance of a dense grade of a beautiful mahogany (Swietenia spp.). The texture is medium to coarse with an interlocking grain. Afzelia weighs 47-50 alb/ft3 (753-801 kg/m3). It is obtainable in wide boards buth the lengths are generally short. It lacks a characteristic taste or odor. The wood is related and somewhat similar to the Inti sia spp., a testimony to its beauty and usefulness.

Seasoning: Afzelia is stable when seasoned. It dries slowly with very little or no degrade.

Durability: The wood is very durable and moderately resistant to termite attacks. As with many other woods, the sapwood is vulnerable to power post beetles. Its real glory is that it is resistant to the teredo in maritime applications.

Workability: Because this wood is relatively hard, all tooling for its maching must be appropriate and cutting edges sharp and angled properly. Its interlocking grain may be troublesome. It finishes well and takes a high polish.

Uses: This high-strength and durable timer is used for high-class joinery in both indoor and outdoor applications. It is especially attractive when used for doors, window frames, floors and staircases. In its native locale it is a favorite for highly ornamental carved doors and chests.

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(MILLETTLA STUHLMANLL)

Family: Leguminosae (legume)

Other Names: Panga-Panga, Jambrie, Messara

Distribution: East Africa

The Tree: Millettia stuhlmenii and Milettia laurentil (Wenge) come from trees of modest size, reaching 60 ft (18m) in height and logs with 1’8" (50cm) to 2’-0" (60cm) in diameter.

The Timber: Panga Panga and wenge have similar properties, both are brown to almost black with a distinctive appearance due to lines of paler tissue. They are coarse and somewhat

variable in texture, but the grain is usually straight. Both are dense woods, panga panga being 10% and wenge 20% heavier than Oak. Panga panga weighs 60lb/ft3 (800 kg/m3) when seasoned. It is reported that Panga Panga keeps its color better than Wenge.

Seasoning: Both dry slowly and require care to avoid surface checking, but generally the degrade is minimal. The wood is stable in use.

Durability: The wood is very durable; very resistant to insects and fungal attack. Sapwood moderately permeable to preservative treatments.

Workability: Hard to saw and plane. Nails are difficult to drive and cannot be screwed without drilling. Glues well. Polishes well and takes a high varnish.

Uses: Used principally for furniture, flooring, veneer and decorative constuctions.

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Technical Names

Purpleheart is comprised of three species: Peltogyen pubescens, Peltogyne porphrocardia, and Peltogyne venose var. densiflora.

Trees

Height is from 90 to 120 feet, with a maximum height of 170 feet. Log diameter is from 24" to 36" with a maximum diameter of 48".

Commercially harvestable trees are from 150 to 300 years old.

Color

Purpleheart is a deep purple color when freshly cut and will change to a dark brown on exposure to air and sunlight. It is possible to preserve the purple color for up to 10 years when a sealer with UV inhibitor is used.

Strength

Span tests at Timber Products Inspection show that Purpleheart and Apitong have similar bending strength characteristics.

Hardness

USDA Handbook of Tropical Hardwoods shows that Purpleheart has a side hardness of 2,060 psi, while Apitong is only 1,270 psi. Purpleheart is over 60% harder than Apitong.

Durability

USDA rates Purpleheart high in durability and very resistant to rot. Stake test done in the 1050’s report that a 2x2 stake will last from 10 to 15 years in the ground.

Stability

Shrinkage on Purpleheart is approximately 4 to 6% from Green to Oven Dry; Apitong shrinks over 9% from Green to Oven Dry. These properties ensure that the floor will undergo less swelling and shrinkage and reduce the chances of buckling.

Weight

Purpleheart is approximately 54 pounds per cubic foot.

Product Availability

Product is available as poles, dimensional lumber, custom, or as a plywood veneer.

AWR is able to harvest and, or manufacture product to users specifications. Minimum order requirements and lead-time guidelines prevail.

If you require assistance, information, or price quotation, please contact:

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 Family: Leguminosae

Other Names: Imbila, Mebila, Tondo, Kiaat

Distribution: Mozambique, Tansania, Zambia, zimbabwe and South Africa.

The Tree: The tree grows to a height of 50 ft (15m) sometimes 70 ft (21m) and a diameter of 2 ft (0.6m).

The Timber: The oatmeal colored sapwood is clearly defined from the heartwood, which matures into a golden-brown with irregular darket chocolate-brown stripes.

Seasoning: Dries ver well. Small movement in service.

Durability: The wood is very durable, resistant to insect, fungus and marine borers.

Workability: The timber works easily with both hand and machine tools. Can be easily nailed or screwed. Works to a fine finish. Glues well. Takes a high polish and varnish.

Uses: Excellent timber used mainly for furniture, joinery and decorative veneer. Also suitable for general construction work and for marine uses.

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awrpurpleheart@alliedworldresources.com