الوصف

Pericopsis elata, the African teak, afromosia, or afrormosia, is a species of flowering plant in the legume family, Fabaceae, which is native to moist, semi-deciduous African forests. It is a tall tree that produces timber of high commercial value.

Color/Appearance: Heartwood is typically a yellowish brown, occasion will have an either reddish or olive hue. Color tends to darken with age. Narrow sapwood is pale yellow and is clearly differentiated from the heartwood.

Grain/Texture: Grain is usually straight, though it can also be interlocked. With a fine uniform texture and good natural luster.

Endgrain: Diffuse-porous; small to medium pores in no specific arrangement; solitary and radial multiples of **3; heartwood deposits occasionally present; growth rings may be distinct due to seemingly marginal parenchyma; rays not visible without lens; paratracheal parenchyma vasicentric, aliform (winged or lozenge), and frequently confluent.

Rot Resistance: Rated as very durable regarding decay resistance, and is also resistant to termites and other insects.

Workability: In nearly all regards, Afrormosia is easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though surfacing boards with interlocking grain may cause tearout. Other downsides include a slight blunting effect on cutting edges, and the development  of dark stains if left in contact with iron in damp conditions. Afrormosia turns, glues, stains, and finishes well.

Odor: Afrormosia has a distinct odor while being worked.

Allergies/Toxicity: Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Afrormosia has been reported as a sensitizer. Usually most common reactions include eye, skin, and respiratory irritation. Afrormosia has also been known to cause nervous system effects, asthma-like symptoms, as well as splinters having an increased chance of getting infected. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.

Common Uses: Boatbuilding, veneer, flooring, and furniture.