Afrormosia
Pronounced Af ra mo sha, this hardwood is 20% harder
than
Oak.
This magnificent species is often termed "African Walnut" because of
its origin and its beautiful coloration, which ranges from golden to
darker brown, gradually mellowing to a deep, rich, walnut-like color.
In addition to its strikingly handsome appearance, Afrormosia has long
been a favorite in Europe for high-grade commercial and residential
construction when quality and appearance rather than cost have been
design objectives.
BOTANICAL NAME: Pericopsis angolensis, Pericopsis elata, syn Afrormosia
elata, of the family Leguminosae
COMMON NAMES: afrormosia, gold teak, kokrodua, mwanga, chiwanga, chianga
COLOR: heartwood medium to rich brown, sometimes with a tint of
yellow, darkens with long exposure to the color of teak but unlike
teak the color does not bleach out with age
An Afrormosia tree can reach a height of 150 ft. It closely
resembles teak and is so often used as a teak substitute that it is
sometimes referred to as African teak. It is prized for more than
simply its resemblance to teak - it is also valued for character and
properties all its own.
Afrormosia grows on savannahs in Mozambique, Nigeria, Ivory Coast and
Ghana. The bark, roots and leaves are used medicinally.
