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Azobe timber grain

Azobe

Lophira alata

  • Primary hardwood
Azobé, known in the trade as Ekki or Bongossi, is one of the heaviest and hardest African hardwoods. Its dark red-brown heartwood carries white deposits in the pores and is exceptionally resistant to abrasion, decay and marine borers. It is the reference timber for lock gates, quays, bridge decks and heavy engineering. Very difficult to work, with high shrinkage and a strong tendency to split — pre-boring is mandatory.
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Classification

Commercial category
Primary / Principal Hardwood
Botanical family
Ochnaceae
Density (air-dry)
950–1150 kg/m³
Durability class
Class 1–2 (Very Durable)
Janka hardness
14,000 N
Trade names
Ekki, Bongossi, Red ironwood, Azobé
Local names
Bongossi, Akoga
Regions harvested
South-West, Littoral, South, East

Commercial category is a market grouping used in the timber trade. It is not a regulatory or legal classification.

Properties

Grain
Interlocked
Colour
Dark red to chocolate brown with white pore deposits
Texture
Coarse
Working
Very hard on tools; pre-bore all fixings

Typical uses

  • Marine and hydraulic construction
  • Bridge decks and quay walls
  • Railway sleepers
  • Heavy-duty industrial flooring
  • Exterior decking

Verified exporters handling Azobe

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