Microberlinia spp.

Specifications

Family

Fabaceae

Species

Microberlinia spp.

Common name

Microberlinia spp.
Commonly known as

zebrawood

Description

The sapwood is whitish and rather broad, while the heartwood is light yellow-brown with streaks of reddish, dark brown, or olive. It has a coarse texture, irregular grain, often interwoven, and a density of 0.70 to 0.90. Drying must be carried out slowly and with great care to minimize cracking and deformations caused by severe shrinkage. The tissues contain more or less abundant gum-resinous secretions that can encrust the iron and compromise the finish. Mechanical strength is good to high, while durability appears satisfactory provided the material is processed and dried without leaving the logs in the storage yard for too long.

Plant morphology

These species have an arboreal habit and can reach 40 m in height, with a straight, branchless stem up to 20 m and a diameter that can reach 1 m. The leaves are compound and paripinnate with small, sessile leaflets.

Natural occurrence

Countries of origin and distribution

Western Equatorial Africa: Cameroon, Congo, Gabon.

Habitat and ecology

M. bisculata grows in lowland rainforests on well-drained, sandy soils. M. brazzavillensis prefers coastal forests.

Uses

Use class

CU1

CU2

CU3

CU4

CU5

Application areas

It is used for railway sleepers but above all for higher-value works such as sports equipment, handles, turning and decoration, both in the form of solid pieces and as veneer cuts.

Threats and Conservation

Threats

The main threat to the conservation of these species is the loss of their habitat as a result of agricultural expansion and deforestation for timber.

Conservation measures

Microberlinia bisulcata grows in two protected areas in Cameroon and Nigeria. In situ conservation measures are needed.

IUCN Red List IUCN

Microberlinia brazzavillensis VU - Vulnerable (1998); M. bisulcata EN - Endangered (2021).

CITES. Year of assessment CITES

CITES Italia • Ultimo aggiornamento

Not present.

Technical data

Aesthetic characteristics

Grain

Obvious

Texture

Medium

Physical and mechanical properties

Density
ρ

790 kg/m³

Radial shrinkage
Rad. sh.

MPa

Tangential shrinkage
Tang. sh.

MPa

Bending strength
M.O.R.

110 MPa

Modulus of Elasticity
M.O.E.

17520 MPa

Durability characteristics

Fungal resistance

Moderatamente durabile

Insect resistance

Resistant

Miscellaneous

This wood is obtained from Microberlinia brazzavillensis A. Chév. and M. bisulcata A. Chév. Given their state of conservation in nature, the use of zingana should be avoided.