Names and distribution: Sapeli mahogany is botanically Entandrophragma cylindricum and belongs to the Meliaceae family. Sapeli mahogany is widespread in the Ivory Coast, Ghana and Uganda.
Appearance: The heartwood is yellow to pinkish reddish brown when freshly cut, darkening considerably. The pores are medium-coarse and scattered, often conspicuously marked by dark and light-colored core materials. On longitudinal surfaces, the storage cells arranged in a ribbon-like pattern produce a fine veining. Grain mostly straight to slightly twisted, homogeneous, decorative.
Properties: The density is 0.48 – 0.65 t/m3 at a wood moisture content of 12%. Swietenia is easy to dry and has excellent staying power. All forms of processing are possible, including Woodturning and carving. Smooth and decorative surfaces are created. Nothing is known about allergic irritation of the skin and respiratory tract.
Uses: High-quality wood for furnishings subject to medium stress, classic furniture wood, dimensionally stable frames, boat and yacht building, musical instruments.
| Sources: |
Trop. Forestry Pap.No.20 (1990) Mex.& Belizian Timbers, OFI-Oxford GOTTWALD (1970): Wood identification of the most important commercial woods ATIBT (1990): Atlas of Latin American Timbers |
