Names and distribution: Tamboti, also known as sandalwood, botanically Spirostachys africana, belongs to the Euphorbiaceae (spurge) family. Tamboti is native to southern Africa. The medium-sized tree can reach diameters of up to 50 cm and heights of up to 20 m.
Wood appearance: The sapwood is narrow and white, the heartwood is golden-brown to reddish-brown striped, darkening in the light. Medium-sized pores, scattered arrangement, annual ring zones hardly pronounced. Plain texture, straight to twisted grain, decorative overall.
Properties: The specific weight is given as approx. 1.02 t/m³ at a wood moisture content of 12%. The swelling and shrinkage values are estimated to be radial 2.8% and tangential 5.4%, both relatively low values. It is not technically dried and can be worked well in all directions, especially for turning. Tamboti contains oleofine ingredients. Among other things, this creates glossy surfaces. High hardness and high natural durability. Wood dust can cause allergic reactions (irritation of the skin & respiratory tract)!
Use: Special wood for furniture, turned articles and musical instruments
| References: |
RICHTER & DALLWITZ, 2000, Commercial timber
GOTTWALD (1970) Wood identification of the most important commercial timbers
WOOD DATA Base (2014) latest version
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