Obeche, Wawa, Samba

Scientific name:  Triplochiton scleroxylon

Description:  Heartwood tends to be a pale yellow, with the sapwood not clearly differentiated from the heartwood. Colours darken slightly with age. Can be prone to fungal staining if not dried properly. Interlocked grain can give a ribbon-stripe appearance on quartersawn surfaces similar to satinwoods and sometimes compared to primavera.  Grain tends to be slightly interlocked (though sometimes straight), with a medium to coarse texture and good natural lustre.

Properties:  Generally easy to work, though interlocked grain can cause some rough surfaces in some machining operations. Carves, stains, glues, and finishes well.