Black Limba

Black Limba (Terminalia superba)

Common Names: Limba, Black Limba, Korina, Afara

Distribution: Western Tropical Africa

Color/Appearance: Heartwood is a light yellowish to golden brown, sometimes with grey to nearly black streaks and veins.

Janka Hardness: 670 lb_f

Density: 2.9 lb./b.f.

Shrinkage: 1

Radial (thickness): 4.3%

Tangential (width): 6.3%,

Volumetric (total): 10.8%,

T/R Ratio (width to depth): 1.5

Allergies/Toxicity: 1 Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Limba has been reported to cause skin and respiratory irritation, as well hives, asthma-like symptoms and bleeding of the nose and gums. Splinters also tend to become infected and take longer than usual to heal.

Sustainability: CITES: no, IUCN: no

Common Uses: Veneer, plywood, furniture, musical instruments (electric guitar bodies), and turned objects.