TRADE NAME

SIPO

 

SCIENTIFIC NAME

Entandrophragma utile Sprague

 

FAMILY

Meliaceae

 

 

REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION

West Africa – Central Africa – East Africa

Ivory Coast : SIPO
Ghana, Nigeria : UTILE
Cameroon : ASSENG-ASSIE
Equat. Guinea : ABEBAY
Gabon : ASSI
Zaire : LIBOYOI
Angola : KALUNGI
Uganda : MUFUMBI
Great Britain : UTILE
W. Germany : SIPO-MAHAGONI

Pr. = VERY IMP. (decreasing) Ex. = IMP., REGUL.

 

 

SAPWOOD

Pinkish white, clearly demarcated

 

HEARTWOOD

  • Colour : Red brown, slightly purplish
  • Grain : Slightly interlocked (frequent)
  • Texture : Fine to medium
  • Silver figure : Medium
  • Ribbon figure on quartered surfaces, possible resin pockets.

 

 

TECHNOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

  • Green weight (kg/m3) = 850 – 950
  • Specific gravity at 12% M.C. (kg/m3) MV12 = (medium) 610
  • Volumetric swelling for 1% MC variation V% = (medium) 0.41
  • Total tangential swelling T% = 6.8
  • Total radial swelling R% = 4.7
  • Crushing strength (N/mm2) C12 = 55
  • Static bending strength (N/mm2) F12 = 127
  • Modulus of elasticity (N/mm2) E12 = 10700

 

 

END USE

  • Sliced veneers for decoration and cabinet work
  • Plywood (faces)
  • High-class furniture
  • Exterior joinery (windows)
  • Interior joinery – paneling
  • Stairs – Interior fitttings
  • Turnery
  • Boat construction

 

 

REMARKS

  • Natural durability : Moderate
  • Lyctus susceptibility : No
  • Preservative treatment : Resistant
  • Other remarks :
    – Possible substitute for Swietenia macrophylla (MAHOGANY)
    – 2 types of bark on logs : similar to BEECH or to PINE.