Scientific name

Pterygota bequaertii De Wild

Other names

English: Koto, Pterigota

Geographic origin

West Africa and Central Africa

Description

&;8226; Sapwood and Heartwood: white or cream-colour to yellowish white
&;8226; Fiber: Straight, Slightly intertwined fibers are very frequent.
&;8226; Grain: medium size to rough

Capacity of being impregnated

Capable of being impregnated

Mechanization

&;8226; Sawing process: No difficulties.
&;8226; Drying process: Medium speed. High risk of deformation and crack formation
&;8226; Planing process: No difficulties excepting risk of repelling on pieces of intertwined fibers
&;8226; Gluing process: No difficulties
&;8226; Nailing and screwing process: No difficulties.
&;8226; Finish: No difficulties

Physical properties

&;8226; Apparent density at 12% humidity
600 kg/m3 madera de semiligera a Heavy
&;8226; Dimensional stability
- Volumetric contraction coefficient
0.52 % variation from nervous wood to very nervous wood
- Relation between contractions
2.2% much tendency to deformity
&;8226; Hardness (Chaláis-Meudon) 2.3 Semi-softwood

Mechanical properties

&;8226; Resistance to static flexion 1,000 kg/cm2 &;8226; Elasticity module 100,000 kg/cm2
&;8226; Resistance to compression 525 kg/cm2
&;8226; Resistance to parallel traction 900 kg/cm2