Sapele

Entandrophragma cylindricum sprague

Known also as aboudikro (Ivory Coast), penkwa (Ghana), Assie – Sapelli(Cameroon), undianuno (Angola, Congo) and sapelli-mahagoni(Germany).

Where it grows

Sapele grows widely in the tropical rain forests of West, Central and East Africa, from the Ivory Coast through Ghana and Nigeria to Cameroon, and eastwards to Uganda, Zaire and Tanzania.

Appearance
Sapwood pinkish grey to whitish  niangon
Heartwood red brown to purplish brown
Grain slightly interlocked
Height

150-200 ft with diameter of about 3'

Properties
Green weight kg/m³ 850-950
Specific gravity at 12 % M.C. (kg/m³) 680 medium
Volumetric swelling for 1% M.C. variation V% 0,47 medium
Crushing strength (N/mm²) C12 62
Static bending strength (N/mm²) F12 142
Modulus of Elasticity (N/mm²) E12 11200
Processing
 
« Poor
Good »
Sawing item40
Drying item40
Machining item40
Wood Bending item40
Gluing item40
Nailing item40
Finishing item40

End Uses

Interior and exterior joinery, interior fittings and panelling, sliced veneers for cabinets, flooring, plywood, furniture and boat construction.

Remarks

High crushing strength, moderate durability and resistant to preservative treatment.

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