Okoume

Scientific name:  Aucoumea klaineana

Description:  Heartwood ranges from a pale pink to light brown. Colour darkens with age. Narrow heartwood is grayish white; not clearly demarcated from heartwood. The grain patterns can bear a resemblance to mahogany, and one of okoume’s lesser-used commercial names is Gaboon mahogany, though it bears no relation to either African mahogany (Khaya spp.) or the New World Swietenia species.  Grain is straight to wavy or slightly interlocked. Texture is medium, with good natural lustre.

Properties:  High silica content has a pronounced blunting effect on cutters. Planing and shaping may produce tearout or fuzzy surfaces. Glues and finishes well.