Musasa

Names and distribution: Botanically, Musasa(Brachystegia spiciformis) belongs to the Caesalpiniaceae, a subfamily of legumes. The species is widespread in East Africa and is found in Mocambique, among other places. The tree can grow up to 35 m high with a trunk diameter of 70 cm. It is often found in the dry forests (Miombo Woodlands) and seems to withstand bushfires very well there.

Wood appearance: Heartwood reddish brown, largely uniform, sapwood white with clear boundaries. Pores medium to coarse, scattered. Storage cells wavy and clearly delineated. Fine medullary rays, slight mirror formation. Alternating torsion is common. Simple.

Properties: Density at 12% moisture content averages 0.76 ^t/m3, approximately the density of oak or robinia. The shrinkage is specified as 4.0 % tangential and 4.2 % radial, both average values that indicate good swelling and shrinkage behavior. Musasa shows satisfactorily good stamina in practice.
Drying should be slow and gentle. If possible, the wood should be processed with stellited tools (sawing, planing). Pre-drilling is required. Smooth surfaces can be created. Musasa is weather-resistant (class 1-2).

Application: Exterior construction timber, finished parquet, floorboards, tool handles, etc.

Replaces: Afzelia, Jatobá, Merbau, etc.