Entandrophragma cylindricum
Specifications
Family
Meliaceae
Species
Entandrophragma cylindricum Sprague
sapele mahogany
Description
When fresh, the heartwood is pinkish-brown, later turning reddish-purple brown. The sapwood is lighter, creamy white. When worked, it releases a distinct cedar odor.
Plant morphology
It is a species that can live for a very long time, over 500 years, and reach majestic dimensions. The straight trunk can measure up to almost 3 m in diameter and has buttresses (walled roots) at the base. The adult individual can emerge from the forest canopy (average height of 60 m) and dominate the tree layer, reaching a maximum height of 94 m.
Natural occurrence
Countries of origin and distribution
Tropical Central Western Africa: Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Democratic Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Togo, Uganda.
Habitat and ecology
A transitional species between evergreen and semi-deciduous forests, not a pioneer but with a tendency to be heliophilous. Unlike other Entandrophragma species, it can also grow in drier habitats such as abandoned fields.
Uses
Use class
CU1
CU2
CU3
CU4
CU5
Application areas
It is used for furniture, decorative veneers, plywood, turning, cabinet making, flooring and panel production.
Threats and Conservation
Threats
Genetic erosion caused by large-scale exploitation of mature individuals has occurred in many countries.
Conservation measures
There are subpopulations subject to protection, and many countries have regulations in place to protect them.
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
640
kg/m3
Radial shrinkage
Rad. sh.
Rad. sh.
5
MPa
Tangential shrinkage
Tang. sh.
Tang. sh.
72
MPa
Bending strength
M.O.R.
M.O.R.
102
MPa
Modulus of Elasticity
M.O.E.
M.O.E.
13960
MPa
Durability characteristics
Fungal resistance
Moderatamente durabile
Insect resistance
Resistant
Miscellaneous
Given the conservation status of the species in nature, the use of this wood should be avoided.