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Also nicknamed “African Rosewood” for it’s beautiful, rich, rosewood appearance with a darker purple striping. It is usually very uniform in graining and color, and the texture is fine and even. In the quarter-sawn, the figure shows a “flame” effect that is very attractive. When it is flat-sawn it shows more of the “rosewood” graining. When fully aged, it has a rich burgundy red color.

Description:

Heartwood pink, vivid red, or red brown with purple streaks or veins, on exposure becomes yellow or medium brown with a reddish tint, veining becomes less conspicuous; sapwood whitish and clearly demarcated. Texture fine and even; grain straight or interlocked; lustrous; sometimes highly figured; has an unpleasant odor when first cut which disappears on drying.

Mechanical Properties:

Janka side hardness is about 1,980 lb. for dry material. Shrinkage green to ovendry: radial 4.0 to 7.6%, tangential 6.6 to 10.2%, volumetric 9.4 to 16.6%.

Working Properties:

Though quite hard and heavy the species work, saw, and plane rather well and produce a good finish, glues well, a good wood for turnings.

Durability:

Heartwood has good durability and is resistant to termite attack. Moderately resistant to marine borers.

Uses:

Some resemblance to rosewood. Fine furniture and cabinetwork, decorative veneers, fancy turnery, inlay work.