Obeche

Obeche (Triplochiton scleroxylon)

Common Name: African whitewood, abachi, obeche, wawa ayous, sambawawa

Distribution: Tropical West Africa

Color/Appearance: Heartwood tends to be a pale yellow, with the sapwood not clearly differentiated from the  heartwood. Colors darken slightly with age.

Janka Hardness: 430 lb_f

Density: 2.0 lb./b.f.

Shrinkage: 1

Radial (thickness): 3.1%

Tangential (width): 5.3%,

Volumetric (total): 8.7%,

T/R Ratio (width to depth): 1.7

Allergies/Toxicity:  1 Although severe reactions are quite  uncommon, Obeche has been reported as a sensitizer. Usually most common reactions simply include eye, skin, and respiratory irritation, as well as runny nose, sneezing, hives, and asthma-like  symptoms.

Sustainability: CITES: No, IUCN: No

Common Uses: Veneer, plywood, carvings, furniture, and interior millwork.