TRADE NAME

SAPELLI

 

SCIENTIFIC NAME

Entandrophragma cylindricum Sprague

 

FAMILY

Meliaceae

 

 

REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION

West Africa – Central Africa – East Africa

Ivory Coast : ABOUDIKRO
Ghana : PENKWA
Nigeria : SAPELE
Cameroon : ASSIE – SAPELLI
Centrafrica : M’BOYO
Zaire : LIFAKI
Angola : UNDIANUNO
Congo : UNDIANUNO
Uganda : MUYOVU
Great Britain : SAPELE
W. Germany : SAPELLI – MAHAGONI

Pr. = IMP. Ex. = IMP., REGUL.

 

 

SAPWOOD

Pinkish grey to whitish, demarcated, 7 – 10 cm

 

HEARTWOOD

  • Colour : red brown to purplish brown
  • Grain : Slightly interlocked
  • Texture : Fine to medium
  • Silver figure : Fine – Ripple marks
  • Ribbon figure on quartered surfaces

 

 

TECHNOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

  • Green weight (kg/m3) = 850 – 950
  • Specific gravity at 12% M.C. (kg/m3) MV12 = (medium) 680
  • Volumetric swelling for 1% MC variation V% = (medium) 0.47
  • Total tangential swelling T% = 7.7
  • Total radial swelling R% = 5.3
  • Crushing strength (N/mm2) C12 = 62
  • Static bending strength (N/mm2) F12 = 142
  • Modulus of elasticity (N/mm2) E12 = 11200

 

 

END USE

  • Sliced veneers for decoration and cabinet works
  • Interior and exterior joinery
  • Domestic flooring
  • Interior fittings and paneling
  • High-class furniture
  • Boat building and fittings
  • Plywood

 

 

REMARKS

  • Natural durability : Moderate
  • Lyctus susceptibility : Yes
  • Preservative treatment : Resistant
  • Other remarks :
    – Typical cedar-like scent, when wood is air-dry
    – Main defects = wrinkly grain
    – Occasonal resin exudations.