TRADE NAME

WENGE

 

SCIENTIFIC NAME

Millettia laurentii De Wild.

 

FAMILY

Fabaceae

 

 

REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION

Central Africa

Camerron : AWOUNG
Congo : WENGE
Zaire : WENGE
Mozambique : JAMBIRE
Tanzania : MPANDE
France, W. Germany, Great-Britain : WENGE, PANGA-PANGA

* Corresponds to a close species : Millettia stuhlmanii, with different physical characteristics

Pr. = REGUL. Ex. = LOW

 

 

SAPWOOD

Clearly demarcated, whitish

 

HEARTWOOD

  • Colour : Yellowish brown toning down to purplish brown, with pink-brown thin stripes
  • Grain : Straight to slightly interlocked
  • Texture : Coarse
  • Silver figure : –

 

 

TECHNOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

  • Green weight (kg/m3) = 1100 – 1200
  • Specific gravity at 12% M.C. (kg/m3) MV12 = (heavy to very heavy) 870
  • Volumetric swelling for 1% MC variation V% = (large) 0.70
  • Total tangential swelling T% = 10.0
  • Total radial swelling R% = 6.3
  • Crushing strength (N/mm2) C12 = 85
  • Static bending strength (N/mm2) F12 = 200
  • Modulus of elasticity (N/mm2) E12 = 17000

 

 

END USE

  • Domestic and heavy duty flooring
  • High class furniture
  • Turnery
  • Knife-handles and brush backs
  • Sliced veneers for decoration and cabinet work
  • Interior fittings

 

 

REMARKS

  • Natural durability : Very durable
  • Lyctus susceptibility : No
  • Preservative treatment : Resistant
  • Other remarks :
    – Possible defects ; Brittle heart, Boreholes.