Chlorophora excelsa
Known also as odum (Ghana), kambala (Congo, Zaire), mvule (East Africa), tule (Mozambique), abang (Cameroon) and moreira (Angola).
Where it grows
Iroko grows in West Africa and occurs from Senegal to Ghana and from Sierra Leone in the west to Tanzania in the east.
| Appearance | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sapwood | yellowish white | 
|
| Heartwood | yellow brown to dark brown | |
| Grain | slightly interlocked | |
| Height | 160 ft with diameter of about 8'-9' | |
| Properties | |
|---|---|
| Green weight kg/m³ | 1000-1100 |
| Specific gravity at 12 % M.C. (kg/m³) | 650 medium |
| Volumetric swelling for 1% M.C. variation V% | 0,44 medium |
| Crushing strength (N/mm²) C12 | 57 |
| Static bending strength (N/mm²) F12 | 118 |
| Modulus of Elasticity (N/mm²) E12 | 9900 |
| Processing | |
|---|---|
|
« Poor
Good »
|
|
| Sawing | 
|
| Drying |
|
| Machining |
|
| Wood Bending |
|
| Gluing |
|
| Nailing |
|
| Finishing |
|
End Uses
Interior and exterior joinery, cabinets, garden furniture, interior fittings, window frames, flooring, work tops, vats, boat work and decking.
Remarks
Medium strength, very durable and resistant to preservative treatment. One of Africa’s most respected species. Good substitute to Teak.
