Afzelia

Afzelia quanzensis

Family: Leguminosae (legume)

Other Names: Pod-Mahogany, mahogany bean, chanfuta, peulmanhonia, mkehli.

Distribution: The species Afzelia can be found in the West, Central, and East African regions of sub-Saharan Africa. The species A. quanzensis is distributed in both lowland rain and dry forest and savannas in the coastal belt of eastern Africa from Kenya to Mozambique and South Africa.

The Tree: This is a very large and spreading tree reaching heights of 70-80 ft (21-24m). However, its straight bole rarely exceeds 12-20 ft (3.7-6.1m). Its diameter can swell to 4 ft (1.2m) in ideal growing conditions. The greenish-gray bark tends to flake in circular patches giving the tree a distinctive pitted effect. The leaves are alternate, compound, with 4-6 pairs of opposite or nearly opposite oblong-elliptic leaflets. The fruit is a large, flat, dark brown, thickly wooded pod. Embedded in a white pith inside the pod are 6-10 distinctive dark blackish-brown seeds. The seeds are used for necklaces and sold as curios.

The Timber: It is light-colored when freshly sawn and turns to a rich reddish-brown when exposed to the air. It has the appearance of a dense grade of a beautiful mahogany (Swietenia spp.). The texture is medium to coarse with an interlocking grain. Afzelia weighs 47-50 lb/ft3 (753-801 kg/m3). It is obtainable in wide boards but the lengths are generally short. It lacks a characteristic taste or odor. The wood is related and somewhat similar to the Intisia spp., a testimony to its beauty and usefulness.

Seasoning: Afzelia is stable when seasoned. It dries slowly with very little or no degrade.

Durability: The wood is very durable and

moderately resistant to termite attacks. As with many other woods, the sapwood is vulnerable to power post beetles. Its real glory is that it is resistant to the teredo in maritime applications.

Workability: Because this wood is relatively hard, all tooling for its machining must be appropriate and cutting edges sharp and angled properly. Its interlocking grain may be troublesome. It finishes well and takes a high polish.

Uses: This high-strength and durable timber is used for high-class joinery in both indoor and outdoor applications. It is especially attractive when used for doors, window frames, floors and staircases. In its native locale it is a favorite for highly ornamental carved doors and chests.