Common uses
Boatbuilding, veneer, flooring and furniture.
Congo-DRC timber profile
Afrormosia
Pericopsis elata
Species overview
Distinctive by nature.
Afrormosia is known for beautiful coloration ranging from golden to darker brown, gradually developing a deep, rich, walnut-like color. Hard, heavy and strong, it works well with both hand and machine tools. The DRC holds significant remaining stocks, largely in the former Equateur and Orientale provinces. It turns, glues, stains and finishes well.
Common namesAfrormosia, Afromosia, African Teak
Scientific namePericopsis elata
DistributionWest and Central Africa
Tree size100–150 ft (30–46 m) tall; 3–5 ft (1–1.5 m) trunk diameter
Average dried weight45 lbs/ft³ (725 kg/m³)
Crushing strength9,570 lbf/in² (66.0 MPa)
ShrinkageRadial 3.2%; Tangential 6.2%; Volumetric 9.9%; T/R Ratio 1.9
Color & appearance
Heartwood is typically yellowish brown, occasionally with a reddish or olive hue. Color tends to darken with age. Narrow sapwood is pale yellow and clearly differentiated from the heartwood.
Grain & texture
Usually straight, though it can also be interlocked, with a fine uniform texture and good natural luster.
Rot resistance
Rated very durable for decay resistance; also resistant to termites and other insects.
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