Tiama

Tiama  (Entandrophragma angolense)

 

Common names: Tiama mahogany, White tiama  and Genu Nohur

 

Distribution: Tropical Africa, its native range is within the evergreen and semi-deciduous forest zones of West, Central and East Africa. In Eastern Africa, majorly Kenya and Uganda, occurrence is of a lower density than in Central and West Africa

 

Color/appearance: The sapwood is whitish or pinkish. The heartwood is red-brown, darkening slightly on exposure; it is clearly demarcated.

 

Janka hardness: 393 lb_f

 

Density: 3.5 lb_f

 

Shrinkage: 1

Radial (thickness): 4.7%

Tangential (width): 7.3%

Volumetric (total): 12%

T/R Ratio (width to depth): 1.6

 

Allergies/Toxicity:1 Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Tiama has been reported as a skin and respiratory irritant.

 

Sustainability (listing):

 

CITES: NO

IUCN:  YES; Vulnerable  [1]

 

Common Uses:

Cabinet making, furniture and interior and exterior joinery

 

 

 

[1] On the IUCN Red List. It is listed as endangered due to a population reduction of approximately 50% in the past three generations, caused by a decline in its natural range, and exploitation.