Distemonanthus benthamianus
Specifications
Family
Fabaceae
Species
Distemonanthus benthamianus Baill.
nigerian satinwood
yellow satinwood
african satinwood
Description
The sapwood is yellowish, slightly differentiated from the lemon-yellow heartwood, which takes on ochre hues upon exposure to air. The texture is fine, the grain wavy, and the density ranges from 0.60 to 0.85. Drying must be done slowly and carefully to prevent cracks and splits. The high silica content also makes sawing difficult. It exhibits high mechanical strength and satisfactory durability.
Plant morphology
A large tree up to 60 m tall, it has an erect, columnar trunk, with large buttresses at the base.
Natural occurrence
Countries of origin and distribution
Tropical West Africa: Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Benin, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo.
Habitat and ecology
It grows between sea level and 400 m above sea level, in humid evergreen and semi-deciduous forests.
Uses
Use class
CU1
CU2
CU3
CU4
CU5
Application areas
It is used for floorboards and blocks, vehicle parts, heavy carpentry, furniture, various types of tools, even with curved shapes, tubs, containers for the chemical industry.
Threats and Conservation
Threats
There are no reported threats to the global conservation of the species, but in some areas populations may be declining due to overharvesting.
Conservation measures
Specimens of this species are preserved in three ex situ collections (BGCI 2018). Monitoring the progress of natural populations is essential.
IUCN Red List
IUCN
LC - Least Concern - Low Risk
CITES. Year of assessment
CITES
2018
1975
2050
CITES Italia • Ultimo aggiornamento
2018
Not present.
Technical data
Aesthetic characteristics
Grain
Slightly obvious
Texture
Medium
Physical and mechanical properties
Density
ρ
ρ
730
kg/m3
Radial shrinkage
Rad. sh.
Rad. sh.
36
MPa
Tangential shrinkage
Tang. sh.
Tang. sh.
58
MPa
Bending strength
M.O.R.
M.O.R.
116
MPa
Modulus of Elasticity
M.O.E.
M.O.E.
14740
MPa
Durability characteristics
Fungal resistance
Moderatamente durabile
Insect resistance
Resistant
Miscellaneous
It is resistant to the action of dilute acids and other chemicals. Root parts are used locally for dental hygiene as a chewing stick. Bark extracts are used as an antidiarrheal in traditional medicine.