Names and distribution: Botanically, Muninga(Pterocarpus angolensis) belongs to the Papilionaceae, a subfamily of legumes. The species is widespread in East Africa. Muninga is related to the golden-colored padouk of the Pacific(P. indicus) and the coral-red padouk of Central Africa(P. soyauxii). Other padouk species are found in Southeast Asia: Burma Padouk(P. macrocarpus) and Andaman Padouk(P. dalbergioides).
Wood appearance: heartwood walnut-colored with reddish or dark stripes; sapwood light pale with clear boundaries. Pores medium to coarse, scattered and not numerous, variable in size and density. Storage cells are stored in eye-shaped fields around the pores and expanded to form wavy bands in a tangential direction. Medullary rays arranged very finely and in tiers, radial growth zones differently distinct. Occasional alternate growth and latching, decorative to very decorative.
Properties: Density at 12% moisture content is on average 0.63 t/m3 (+/- 0.56…0.75). The shrinkage is specified as 2.8% tangential and 2.2% radial, both very low values! Muninga shows exceptionally good stamina. The wood dries easily and without cracking and can be worked with all tools without difficulty. Decorative and smooth surfaces can be created. Muninga is weather-resistant (class 1-2).
Uses: High-quality interior and exterior wood, boat building, for dimensionally stable frames, parquet flooring, furniture making, musical instruments, woodturning, veneers.
Replaces: Teak, North American walnut
| References: |
Guitars, Joe Striebel Acoustic guitar, C. F. Martin, Pennsylvania, USA Alphorn, Hubert Hense Premium guitars, Mervyn Davis, South Africa |
| Sources: |
GOTTWALD 1970: Wood identification of the most important commercial timbers Wagenführ 1989: Wood atlas |
