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Bubinga

Guibourtia tessmannii

Specialty wood
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CITES listed — Appendix II

Bubinga is a heavy, lustrous red-brown hardwood with darker purple veining and often spectacular figure — pommele, waterfall and quilted patterns are highly sought for veneer. It is dense, strong and moderately durable, and takes a superb polish. Sold for fine furniture, luxury veneer, turnery and musical instruments. Guibourtia tessmannii is listed on CITES Appendix II, so international trade requires permits.

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Classification

Commercial category: Specialty / Precious Wood
Botanical family: Fabaceae
Density (air-dry): 850–1000 kg/m³
Durability class: Class 2–3 (Durable to Moderately Durable)
Janka hardness: 10,700 N
Trade names: Kevazingo, African rosewood, Essingang, Waka
Local names: Essingang, Kevazingo
Regions harvested: South, East, Centre

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

Properties

Grain: Straight to interlocked, often figured
Colour: Pinkish to dark red-brown with purple veining
Figure: Pommele, waterfall and quilted figure common
Texture: Fine to medium

Typical uses

Fine furniture
Luxury decorative veneer
Musical instruments
Turnery and knife handles
Live-edge slabs and tabletops

CITES status

Guibourtia tessmannii is listed on CITES Appendix II.

Listings and their scope change over time. Confirm the current status and any documentation requirements with CITES and the relevant national authorities before trading.

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At a glance

Commercial category: Specialty / Precious Wood
Botanical family: Fabaceae
Density (air-dry): 850–1000 kg/m³
Durability class: Class 2–3 (Durable to Moderately Durable)
Janka hardness: 10,700 N

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