Afzelia – Doussié

Names and distribution: Botanically, the genus Afzelia belongs to the Caesalpiniaceae, a subfamily of legumes. Four species are distinguished: Apa(A. pachyloba), which is widespread across West Africa from the Ivory Coast to Nigeria, Papao(A. africana) from Ghana, the well-known Doussié(A. bipendensis) and finally the East African Chanfuta(A. quarzensis), which is also known as pod mahogany. Afzelia species are also found in Asia, for example in Laos. However, their importance is regionally limited.

Wood appearance: Afzelia has a yellowish to light brown heartwood, which later darkens to a reddish-brown. The structure of the wood is homogeneous and dense. The pores are coarse and scattered. Pores often contain white or yellowish substances. In Afzelia bipendensis, the true Doussié, these are yellow (distinguishing feature). Storage cells stored in an eye shape around vessels. Occasional dark stripes along the growth zones. Alternating growth present, matt glossy, all types of attractive gloss, moderately decorative.

Properties: Density at 12% moisture content is 0.74 ^t/m3. Swelling and shrinkage values are 4.5% tangentially and 2.8% radially. The wood therefore has a low shrinkage and can be dried without any significant problems. The stamina is extremely good. Afzelia types can be worked cleanly with all tools, pre-drilling is absolutely necessary, acid-resistant, perfect surfaces can be achieved.
The hardness is above average, significantly higher than that of oak; measured according to Brinell, the value is 44 ^N/mm2 (in comparison: oak 34 ^N/mm2). The modulus of elasticity is 16,000 ^N/mm2. Afzelia is classified as weather-resistant, namely in durability class 1.

Use: as parquet, for windows & doors, in ship and boat building, for laboratory and workbenches.