Azobe
Scientific name:
Lophira alata
Cameroonian name:
Bongossi
Distribution in tropical Africa:
From Casamance to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda
Description of the wood:
Bark: reddish (1.5-2 cm), peeling off in elongated scales, covering in old trees a layer of characteristic yellow powder.
Sapwood: differentiated, light pink (3-5 cm).
Wood: red over 5-10 cm then chocolate brown.
Log diameter: 60 to 100 cm.
Physical properties:
Very hard, very nervous
Mechanical properties:
Elastic
Uses:
Railway sleepers and timbers, hydraulic works, wagon bottoms, ship hold decking, industrial premises flooring, vineyard and oyster farming stakes