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Pericopsis elata
THE TIMBER:
Afrormosia is a high-quality timber with an attractive appearance
resembling a fine-grained teak. When freshly cut, the heartwood
is yellowish brown but it loses the yellow upon exposure. The grain is straight
or slightly
interlocked. The texture is fine, and the luster is medium.
Odor and taste
are not distinctive.
WORKABILITY:
The wood works fairly well with machine and hand tools. The
blunting effects on cutting edges is much less pronounced than with teak.
Good results are obtained with stains and polishes. When nailing there
is a marked tendency to split. It can be glued satisfactorily.
USES:
Afromosia has been used as a teak substitute in many industries, especially where durability and stability are required. Principal uses are in shipbuilding,
interior trim, furniture, decorative veneer, flooring and high-class joinery. It should not be used where moisture levels are high due to its discoloration
when in contact with iron. |
