Aucoumea klaineana
Specifications
Family
Burseraceae
Species
Aucoumea klaineana Pierre
okoumé
gabon mahogany
Description
The sapwood is grayish white, clearly distinguishable from the salmon-pink heartwood; the texture can range from medium to coarse, the grain is variable, and the density ranges from 0.32 to 0.57. The silica content of the tissues can hinder sawing. Mechanical strength is average, and durability is fair, as it is resistant to fungal attack.
Plant morphology
A large tree that can reach 60 m in height. Its trunk is cylindrical, often twisted and bent, and is supported by sturdy buttresses. The trunk of this plant can reach a maximum diameter of 2.4 m. The bark is gray-brown, peels in rectangular scales, and is very resinous. The crown is rather open. The leaves are alternate, odd-pinnate, without stipules, and consist of 7-13 ovate leaflets, rounded at the base and pointed at the apex. The inflorescence is terminal, composed of whitish, unisexual flowers (the species is dioecious); the male flowers have 10 stamens, while the female flowers have a columnar ovary. The fruit is an ovoid capsule.
Natural occurrence
Countries of origin and distribution
Exclusive to Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and Congo.
Habitat and ecology
A very long-lived species found exclusively where there is a marked dry season alternating with a rainy season of at least 3,000 mm annually, it behaves as a pioneer, persisting for long periods in secondary formations. It prefers ferrallitized soils.
Uses
Use class
CU1
CU2
CU3
CU4
CU5
Application areas
It is widely used for general carpentry, interior design, packaging, containers and tubs for chemical solutions, and paper processing.
Threats and Conservation
Threats
Exports of this species' wood have increased significantly in recent years; in Gabon, it is the most widely harvested species.
Conservation measures
Not reported.
IUCN Red List
IUCN
VU - Vulnerable
CITES. Year of assessment
CITES
1998
1975
2050
CITES Italia • Ultimo aggiornamento
1998
Not present.
Technical data
Aesthetic characteristics
Grain
Obvious
Texture
Medium
Physical and mechanical properties
Density
ρ
ρ
440
kg/m3
Radial shrinkage
Rad. sh.
Rad. sh.
46
MPa
Tangential shrinkage
Tang. sh.
Tang. sh.
69
MPa
Bending strength
M.O.R.
M.O.R.
62
MPa
Modulus of Elasticity
M.O.E.
M.O.E.
9690
MPa
Durability characteristics
Fungal resistance
Not very durable
Insect resistance
Resistant
Miscellaneous
The bark is used in its native areas to disinfect water. Given its poor state of preservation in the wild, its use should be avoided.