Common uses
Furniture, veneer, plywood, boatbuilding, musical instruments and interior millwork.
Congo-DRC timber profile
Okoume
Aucoumea klaineana
Species overview
Distinctive by nature.
Okoume is widely valued for fine construction plywood, particularly where lighter weight is important. Its attractive appearance, open grain, flexibility and low weight also make it suitable for decorative surfaces and higher-value items.
Common namesOkoume
Scientific nameAucoumea klaineana
DistributionCentral Africa
Tree size100–130 ft (30–40 m) tall; 3–6 ft (1–1.8 m) trunk diameter
Average dried weight27 lbs/ft³ (430 kg/m³)
Crushing strength5,250 lbf/in² (36.2 MPa)
ShrinkageRadial 4.6%; Tangential 7.1%; Volumetric 12.2%; T/R Ratio 1.5
Color & appearance
Heartwood ranges from pale pink to light brown and darkens with age. Sapwood is greyish white and not always clearly demarcated.
Grain & texture
Straight, wavy or slightly interlocked with a medium texture and good natural luster.
Rot resistance
Not naturally rot-resistant. Marine applications must be thoroughly sealed and are commonly protected with paint, epoxy and varnish.
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