Pterocarpus soyauxii
Specifications
Family
Fabaceae
Species
Pterocarpus soyauxii Taub.
african coralwood
african padauk
Description
Known as African Padouk, it is bright red in colour, very hard and resistant to termite attacks.
Plant morphology
A tree 25-35 m tall, the trunk diameter can sometimes exceed 1.4 m, with reddish-grey bark that flakes into scales and white cuts from which red gum oozes.
Natural occurrence
Countries of origin and distribution
Tropical West Africa: Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Habitat and ecology
Common in evergreen equatorial rainforests where it is found in small groups and prefers moist, well-drained soils.
Uses
Use class
CU1
CU2
CU3
CU4
CU5
Application areas
It is used for the manufacture of heavy furniture, walking sticks, canoes.
Threats and Conservation
Threats
There are concerns about its overexploitation. Unsustainable logging practices and habitat loss remain real risks.
Conservation measures
All African populations of Pterocarpus have been listed in CITES Appendix II.
IUCN Red List
IUCN
Not present.
CITES. Year of assessment
CITES
CITES Italia • Ultimo aggiornamento
Appendix II - African populations only
Technical data
Aesthetic characteristics
Grain
Obvious
Texture
Coarse
Physical and mechanical properties
Density
ρ
ρ
790
kg/m3
Radial shrinkage
Rad. sh.
Rad. sh.
32
MPa
Tangential shrinkage
Tang. sh.
Tang. sh.
5
MPa
Bending strength
M.O.R.
M.O.R.
116
MPa
Modulus of Elasticity
M.O.E.
M.O.E.
15870
MPa
Durability characteristics
Fungal resistance
Very durable
Insect resistance
Resistant
Miscellaneous
The antifungal properties of this plant are well known, and its bark is used to combat skin parasites and is mixed with palm oil to make ointments.