Nauclea diderrichii
Specifications
Family
Rubiaceae
Species
Nauclea diderrichii (De Wild.) Merr.
african peach
Description
The sapwood is grayish or pinkish, clearly differentiated from the heartwood, which, when fresh, is lemon yellow or, upon exposure to air, ochre and golden brown. The texture is medium to coarse, the grain interwoven, and the density varies from 0.67 to 0.90. Drying must be done slowly to avoid cracks and splits. Mechanical strength is good, and durability is exceptional, even against marine borers.
Plant morphology
It is a tree up to 40 m tall with an erect, columnar trunk, with a maximum diameter of 1.5 m, ribbed at the base. Mature specimens are evergreen, while young trees are often deciduous. The glossy leaves are elliptical, with a mucronate tip and stipules at the base. The small yellow-green flowers are borne in apical inflorescences. It produces large, globose yellow fruits, characterized by stiff white hairs.
Natural occurrence
Countries of origin and distribution
Equatorial Africa: Angola, Congo, Gabon, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Liberia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Uganda.
Habitat and ecology
It can grow in various forest types, but prefers moist forests (both evergreen and semi-deciduous). This is a pioneer species, requiring light for effective growth; it regenerates abundantly in forest clearings and clearings.
Uses
Use class
CU1
CU2
CU3
CU4
CU5
Application areas
It is used in hydraulic, marine, road construction, flooring, trusses and other load-bearing structures, cabinet making, and decorative veneers.
Threats and Conservation
Threats
Deforestation and habitat loss. Despite its high regeneration rate, this plant is often outcompeted by other pioneer plants for resources.
Conservation measures
It is preserved in 11 ex situ collections (BGCI 2020) and in some protected areas. It is necessary to monitor population dynamics, collection, and trade, as well as adopt sustainable forest management and include the species in reforestation projects.
IUCN Red List
IUCN
NT - Near threatened - Close to threat
CITES. Year of assessment
CITES
2020
1975
2050
CITES Italia • Ultimo aggiornamento
2020
Not present.
Technical data
Aesthetic characteristics
Grain
Slightly obvious
Texture
Medium
Physical and mechanical properties
Density
ρ
ρ
760
kg/m3
Radial shrinkage
Rad. sh.
Rad. sh.
45
MPa
Tangential shrinkage
Tang. sh.
Tang. sh.
75
MPa
Bending strength
M.O.R.
M.O.R.
95
MPa
Modulus of Elasticity
M.O.E.
M.O.E.
14660
MPa
Durability characteristics
Fungal resistance
Very durable
Insect resistance
Resistant
Miscellaneous
Given the conservation status, other woods are preferable.