Names and distribution: African mahogany or “Khaya mahogany” is botanically Khaya ivorensis and belongs to the Meliaceae family. Khaya was one of the first overseas woods to arrive in Europe from the former African colonies. It was used as an attractive substitute for South American mahogany. Other types of this species from African sources are Sipo, Kosipo, Tiama and Lovoa / Dibetou. Khaya mahogany is mainly found in West and Central Africa.
Wood appearance: The heartwood is yellow to pinkish reddish brown when freshly cut, with a strong darkening effect. The pores are medium coarse and scattered, often conspicuously marked by dark and light-colored heartwood. On longitudinal surfaces, the ribbon-like arranged storage cells result in a fine veining. The grain is mostly straight to slightly twisted, homogeneous, decorative.
Properties: The density is 0.45 – 0.65 t/m3 at a wood moisture content of 12%. Khaya is easy to dry and has excellent stability. All forms of processing are possible, including turning and carving. Smooth and decorative surfaces are produced. No allergic irritation of the skin or respiratory tract is known.
Use: High-quality wood for furnishings subject to medium stress, dimensionally stable frames, boat and yacht building, musical instruments (here the particularly light woods)
| References: |
Guitar, Jochen Imhof, SIGN GUITARS |
Sources:
Trop. Forestry Pap.No.20 (1990) Mex.& Belizian Timbers, OFI-Oxford
GOTTWALD (1970): Wood identification of the most important commercial timbers
ATIBT (1990): Atlas of Latin American Timbers
