Scientific name

Pericopsis elata Van Meeuwen

Other names

English: African Teak, Afromosia, Afrormosia, Asamela

Geographic origin

Africa. Included in the list of endangered species by the CITES

Description

&;8226; Sapwood: light yellowish grey colour
&;8226; Heartwood: yellowish grey coloured, it darkens with the lights effects
&;8226; Fiber: Straight or intertwined
&;8226; Grain: Varies from thin to medium size
&;8226; Defects: the possible tanitos can cause blue spots

Capacity of being impregnated

&;8226; Sapwood: Capable of being impregnated
&;8226; Heartwood: No capable of being impregnated

Mechanization

&;8226; Sawing process: powerful aspiration equipments
&;8226; Drying process: Slow. Risk of deformations and crack formation
&;8226; Gluing process: No difficulties
&;8226; Nailing and screwing process: pre-drilling is required
&;8226; Finish: No difficulties

Physical properties

&;8226; Apparent density (12% humidity): 690kg/m3
&;8226; Dimensional stability: Volumetric contraction coefficient 7.8% medium nervous wood
&;8226; Hardness (Chaláis-Meudon) 5.9 semi-hardwood

Mechanical properties

&;8226; Resistance to static flexion 1,190 kg/cm2
&;8226; Elasticity module 129,000 Kg/cm2
&;8226; Resistance to parallel compression 650 kg/cm2

Observations

&;8226; It is the African wood that is more similar to Asian Teak
&;8226; Attention, very important: It is a specie protected by the CITES agreement. It is contained in the Appendix II. Thus, a permission for exportation or a re-exportation certificate is required.
&;8226; Such document must be demanded at the time of purchasing