african trees
OKOUME
AREAS OF GROWTH
Okoume needs too much light to grow. Indeed, this tropical tree grows in every soil but prefers deep and fertile soils. It is generally grown in Gabon, Cameroon, Congo, Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, Guyana and Madagascar. Okoume is one of the important timber species in Central and West Africa. In addition, this tree has been known many names such as Gabonese wood, Uume and Zouga.
IMPORT AND EXPORT
Gabon and Equatorial Guinea produce more than 60% of okoume timber. The majority of this share is imported to Asian and European countries. China and France are the primary buyers of the okoume timber. Besides, The United States primarily exports this tree, but a massive amount of these exports are in veneer or plywood forms. The price of the okoume wood varies depending on the wood’s thickness, quality and shipping costs.
FEATURES AND STRUCTURE
The okoume has a non-branched, cylindrical and plump structure. In suitable growing conditions, it can reach 30 to 40 meters. Also, its trunk diameter can grow to about 180 cm. The dried weight of the tree is around 430 kg/m3. The texture of the tree has an excellent natural shine. Nonetheless, it cannot show resistance against rot and is susceptible to insects. The heartwood’s wide varies from 3 to 12 cm and usually has a reddish-brown or light grey-pink color.
KOSIPO
AREAS OF GROWTH
Kosipo is one of the exotic species that attract people’s attention in Africa. However, it does not have extensive distribution. It mainly grows in the countries of Ivory Coast, Central Nigeria, Cameroon, Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Angola and Congo.
IMPORT AND EXPORT
The Ivory Coast comes first in producing and distributing kosipo wood. The other countries that mostly export this tree are Liberia, Nigeria, Zaire, Angola and Ghana. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia ranks first in importing Kosipo and followed by Yemen, Egypt, Iran and Jordan.
FEATURES AND STRUCTURE
The root protrusions of the kosipo can be between 2 to 4 meters. Its appearance is similar to Sapelli and Sipo. In addition, this tree can reach an average of 40 to 50 meters in height. Its trunk diameter also can reach up to 180 cm. The dry weight of the kosipo is around 690 kg/m3, and its wet weight is between 850 and 950 kg/m3. The tree’s sapwood ranges from 4 to 8 cm and usually has whitish-brown color. This color makes it easy to distinguish it from the heartwood. Its heartwood, by the way, generally has reddish-brown or purplish-brown colors. Plus, there would be black resin deposits on its pores. Kosipo’s veins are mostly smooth and interlocked. It also has a high resistance to rot and insects.
SIPO
AREAS OF GROWTH
Sipo, also known as Utile, has an extensive distribution in Central and West Africa. It generally spreads along the coast of Guinea, down to Angola, and east to Uganda.
IMPORT AND EXPORT
Zambia comes first with a share of 36% in the production and export of the sipo tree. Sudan, Angola and Cameroon are the other countries that primarily export this tree. When we look at the import data of the sipo, we can see that Yemen is in the first place and it is followed by Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Uganda.
FEATURES AND STRUCTURE
Sipo is one of the unique species that enrich the forest wealth of the African continent. It also has an exotic red-brown color with purplish reflections. Its trunk is usually straight and cylindrical. It can reach about 60 m in length and 200 cm in trunk diameter. The dry weight of the tree varies between 530 and 630 kg/m3, but its wet weight is around 635 kg/m3. The tree’s sapwood ranges from 5 to 10 cm and has light grey color. Besides, the heartwood is generally reddish-brown and can be easily distinguished from the sapwood. The sipo’s structure is resistant to rot, fungus and termites. This tree also has an interlocking vein structure like other African species.
DIBETOU
AREAS OF GROWTH
Dibetou tree, also known as the African Walnut, grows in the forests of West and Central Africa. It mainly grows in Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria, Uganda, Gabon and Congo. This tree is similar to the African mahogany known as Sapele. Indeed, dibetou has been used to imitate the Mahogany tree.
IMPORT AND EXPORT
Cameroon comes first in the production and distribution of the dibetou timber. The other countries that primarily export this tree are Angola, Ivory Coast, and Mali. However, when we look at the buyers of dibetou wood, we see many countries from different parts of the world. The United Arab Emirates ranks first among these countries and is followed by the USA, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Yemen.
FEATURES AND STRUCTURE
Dibetou can reach an average height of 35-45 meters, but its usable trunk length is around 25 meters. Plus, its trunk is usually smooth and cylindrical and ranges between 60 and 120 centimeters. The wet weight of the dibetou is between 750-850 kg/m3, but its dried weight is generally about 550 kg/m3. Dibetou’s sapwood is up to 7 centimeters in size and it has a buff color. The heartwood, on the other hand, is brown tones, especially yellowish brown. Its wood structure has dark veins and irregular lines. It is resistant to insects, but it can be susceptible to termites.
TALI
AREAS OF GROWTH
Tali tree grows in sub-Saharan African rainforests. It is spread in eastern, western and central Africa and is a characteristic tree of the Guinea region in particular. Its spread starts from Senegal and the Gambia to the west, Sudan and Kenya to the east, and Mozambique to the south.
IMPORT AND EXPORT
Guinea ranks first in the production and distribution of this wood. It is followed by Ivory Coast, Ghana and Liberia. As with other trees growing in the African region, the main customers of the tali are usually countries from the outside of Africa. We can see Saudi Arabia as the first among the buyers of this tree. It is followed by Yemen, Jordan, India and Iran.
FEATURES AND STRUCTURE
The trunk of the tali is cylindrical and very smooth. It reaches up to 45 meters height based on the growing conditions. The usable trunk length of the tree is between 10 and 16 meters and the trunk diameter can reach up to 120 cm. The wet weight is 1100 to 1200 kg/m3, but dried weight is 910 kg/m3. These structural features make the tali heavier and harder than other species. The sapwood is whitish or pinkish-white. On the other hand, the heartwood is usually yellowish brown and reddish brown.
PADAUK
AREAS OF GROWTH
The padauk tree, known as the tree of kings, deserves special attention with its distinctive bright red color. It grows in the tropical rainforests of West Africa and South Asia with about seventy different species. It is frequently grown in Nigeria, Congo, Guinea and Angola, but especially in Gabon and Cameroon. So, we can clearly infer that the padauk grows naturally in the rain environments of hot climates.
IMPORT AND EXPORT
First of all, Gabon ranks first among the major producers of the padauk. Then, it is respectively followed by Guinea, Angola, Ivory Coast and Ghana. The main customers of the padauk are usually countries in other continents and United States has the first place among these countries. Then, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, France and Italy are the other countries in this list.
FEATURES AND STRUCTURE
Padauk reaches an average height of 40 meters. The usable trunk length of the padauk is around 20 meters, and its trunk diameter reaches up to 120 cm. Its weight is generally between 900 and 1000 kg/m3, but it becomes between 800 and 850 kg/m3 when it’s dry. The drying process generally takes time and the risk of deformation is at the low levels. Besides, the sapwood of the padauk is often light grey and around 6-10 cm. The heartwood is strong and durable. Padouk has a perfect resistance to fungi, termites and insects. Finally its fibres are generally smooth.
WENGE
AREAS OF GROWTH
The most concrete form of black beauty, the Wenge, has distributed in the tropical climate of Central and West Africa. Although it has become famous recently, obtaining the wenge is getting more difficult.
IMPORT AND EXPORT
Gabon comes first in the production and distribution of the wenge. Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Guinea and Tanzania are the other countries on this list. The customers of this tree are usually countries outside of the Africa. The USA, on the other hand, is the first among its principal buyers. In addition, Jordan, Yemen, Iran and France are the countries that mainly import this tree.
FEATURES AND STRUCTURE
Wenge is known as a medium-sized tree compared to other African tree species. It can grow up to 27 m. The trunk of the wenge is generally smooth and cylindrical. Also, it can reach up to 100 cm in diameter. The wet weight of this tree is between 1100 and 1200 kg/m3, but its dry weight is generally between 850 and 900 kg/m3. The color difference between the heartwood and the sapwood is distinctly different. Indeed, its sapwood is yellowish-white, but the heartwood is dark brown. Yet, you can make its wood completely black with the natural oiling. The most remarkable feature of the wenge is that it creates a decorative image thanks to the black or dark brown veins.
OVANGKOL
AREAS OF GROWTH
Ovangkol tree grows in the tropical West African continent. It is often seen in Southern Nigeria, Gabon and Liberia, but especially in the Ivory Coast and Ghana. It is generally distributed in small groups in closed rainforests and transition forests.
IMPORT AND EXPORT
Ghana is the leading producer of the ovangkol tree. Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Angola, and Gabon are the other countries that mainly export this tree. The customer countries of this tree are generally located in Asia, Europe and America. The United States is the top country on this list. The USA is followed by Russia, Canada, France, and Mexico.
FEATURES AND STRUCTURE
The ovangkol is higher than other African tree species and often reaches 50 meters. Its trunk diameter, by the way, can reach up to 150 cm. The wet weight of the ovangkol is 1000-1100 kg/m3, but the dried weight is about 850-900 kg/m3. The color difference between its heartwood and the sapwood can be easily distinguished. The sapwood is yellowish-grey, but the heartwood generally yellowish-brown or dark brown. Furthermore, it darkens slightly when exposed to light. It has brown and black lines in the grain of the wood structure, creating a decorative appearance on the surface. Finally, the ovangkol tree is also resistant to insects, microorganisms and rot.
IPE
AREAS OF GROWTH
Ipe tree is unique to the Central and South American continent and grows especially in the Brazilian rainforest. This tree has a high reputation in Brazil and is also known as the Brazilian walnut. It has a wide spread area from Mexico and the Caribbean to Argentina.
IMPORT AND EXPORT
Brazil ranks first among the main producers of ipe trees and then it respectively comes from Argentina, Colombia, Peru and Guyana. On the other hand, the United States is the main buyer of this tree. It is followed by Spain, Portugal, Mexico and Chile.
FEATURES AND STRUCTURE
The ipe can extend up to 100 m in height but its usable trunk usually length ranges from 15 to 25 m. Its trunk is generally flat and cylindrical and has a 120 cm in diameter. The wet weight of ipe is around 1200-1300 kg/m3 but its dried weight is often between 1000 to 1100 kg/m3. This tree is highly resistant to weather conditions and shows high resistance to decay and abrasion thanks to its waterproof structure. The color of the sapwood can vary from reddish-brown to blackish brown. But in some species, yellowish deposits can be found inside the wood.
AFZELIA
AREAS OF GROWTH
Afzelia, also known as Dusi, is a valuable tree species exported by Europe. It expands from the West Africa to the Senegal, Uganda, and the Congo. It mainly grows in valleys, savannahs and in the drier parts of the tropical forest region.
IMPORT AND EXPORT
In terms of export and cultivation, the main producer of afzelia is known as Cameroon. Then it is followed by Ghana, Ivory Coast and Guinea. The United States ranks first among the main buyers of the afzelia. The second place belongs to France. The other countries are Germany, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
FEATURES AND STRUCTURE
Afzelia, which is resistant to harsh climatic conditions, also shows high resistance to decay, abrasions and impacts. This tree has a dense and hard structure. Afzelia tree can extend up to 40 m in height. Its trunk diameter, on the other hand, reaches up to 120 cm. Its wet weight is generally between 1000 to 1100 kg/m3, but its dried weight is about 800-900 kg/m3. There would be almost no deformation and cracking problems in the drying process. Color of its sapwood ranges from whitish to pale yellow, but its heartwood has shades ranging from reddish to light brown. The color difference between the sapwood and the heartwood can be seen clearly.
BETE
AREAS OF GROWTH
Bete tree, scientifically Mansonia Altissima, is the endemic tree of West and Central Africa. The bete grows in the rugged and humid forests of West Tropical Africa, mostly the Ivory Coast, Congo, Cameroon, Ghana, and Nigeria.
IMPORT AND EXPORT
The bete is among the tropical tree species frequently imported by Europe and the United States, and Ghana is the main producer of this tree. Ghana is followed by Ivory Coast, Angola, Nigeria and Cameroon. Besides, The United States comes first among the main buyers of the bete tree. The other countries that mainly export this tree are Germany, France, Croatia and Belgium.
FEATURES AND STRUCTURE
The bete can grow up to 40 meters high, depending on the natural growing conditions. Its usable trunk length is between 15 and 25 meters. The trunk diameter is also around 100 cm. In addition, the bete resembles American walnut thanks with its fiber structure. The bete’s 8 cm sapwood is yellowish-white, but its heartwood ranges brown to chocolate brown. Nevertheless, bete’s wood may tend to lighten or fade when exposed to light. The bete’s wet weight is 1000-1050 kg/cubic meter but it decreases to 680-700 kg/cubic meter after a rapidly drying process. Besides, there may be a separation in the knotty parts during the drying process. The bete can be resistant to harsh climatic conditions and decay for many years, thanks to the toxins in its wood. It has also deeply resistant to termite and insect infestations.
AZOBE
AREAS OF GROWTH
Azobe is an endemic tree species of tropical Africa and among the hardest trees in Africa. It grows in West Africa’s rainforests, especially Cameroon, Congo, Ivory Coast, Gabon and Ghana.
IMPORT AND EXPORT
European countries regularly import Azobe because it cannot adapt to the European climate. Gabon ranks first among the leading producers and distributors of the azobe. Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Uganda are the other countries that mainly export his tree. On the other hand, France is the primary buyer of this tree. Then, it is followed by Germany, England, the United Arab Emirates and the United States.
FEATURES AND STRUCTURE
The azobe is a huge tree that can grow up to 60 meters high. The trunk diameter of the azobe is between 60 and 180 centimeters. While its sapwood is usually pale pink, its heartwood’s color changes from chestnut brown to chocolate brown. It has generally interlocked grains and this makes the wood so hard and heavy. Its wet weight is 1200-1400 kg/cubic meter, but it generally becomes 1100 kg/cubic meter after the drying process. Thanks to its waterproof structure, azobe is highly resistant to harsh climatic conditions, decays and abrasions.
AFRORMOSIA
AREAS OF GROWTH
The afrormosia tree is known as the alternative for the teak tree. Therefore, it is also called the golden teak. However, it is much more valuable than teak wood, thanks to its unique character and features. This tree species is native to West Africa and generally grows in Cameroon, Congo, Ivory Coast, Ghana and Nigeria.
IMPORT AND EXPORT
The afrormosia is among the hardwoods imported regularly by the USA and European countries. Ghana is the first among the primary distributors of this tree. It is followed by Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Nigeria. Besides, The United States is the leading country that mostly imports the afrormosia. The other countries on the list are France, England, Saudi Arabia and Italy.
FEATURES AND STRUCTURE
The afrormosia is a large tree that can grow up to 50 meters. Its trunk diameter reaches 180 cm. The color of the sapwood is pale yellowish. The heartwood, on the other hand, is yellowish-brown when its first cut, but it becomes reddish or dark olive with the exposure to light. These changes make the color difference between its sapwood and the heartwood more distinct. In addition, Afrormosia wood has unique interlocked grains and a great texture. Thus, these features make its structure harder and more durable. Its wet weight is around 1100-1200 kg/m3, but after the drying process, it becomes 800 kg/m3. Also, the deformation risk is at the lowest levels during the drying process.
AKO
AREAS OF GROWTH
The ako tree, also known as the antiaris, has a wide distribution in the tropical climate zone of the world. This tree is native to the African continent. It mainly grows in Senegal, Ethiopia, Zambia and Angola. It also grows partially in Tropical Asia, Pacific Ocean Islands and Northern Australia.
IMPORT AND EXPORT
Angola is the leading country among the main distributors of this tree. It is followed by Ghana, Senegal, Gabon and the Ivory Coast. The United Arab Emirates, by the way, is the primary country that mostly imports this tree. Plus, Saudi Arabia, the USA, France, and Iran are the other countries that usually import the ako.
FEATURES AND STRUCTURE
Ako tree is a tree that can grow faster than other African tree species and can reach 50 m in height. Its trunk diameter can reach around 170 cm. Its sapwood appears in white colors, and the heartwood is in yellow tones. Ako wood has many medium-sized pores and a thin fiber texture. Its wet weight is around 550 and 600 kg/m3, but its dried weight is between 450 and 500 kg/m3. Since it has highly interlocked veins, there would always be a risk of deterioration during the drying process. Finally, the ako does not have a resistant structure to rot, fungus, termites and insects.
AYOUS
AREAS OF GROWTH
Ayous tree combines simplicity and elegance. The ayous is among the endemic species of the African Continent. This tree belongs to the West and Central Africa, and it mostly grows in Cameroon, Ghana, Gabon, Nigeria, Congo and Ivory Coast.
IMPORT AND EXPORT
The European countries frequently use and import this tree, but its shipment always carries out after cutting process. The main producer and distributor of this tree has been Cameroon for many years. Respectively, other countries are Gabon, Nigeria, Ghana and Ivory Coast. France, on the other hand, has the first place among the list of main buyers of this tree. Besides, France is followed by Germany, United Kingdom, Spain and the United States.
FEATURES AND STRUCTURE
The ayous tree is a grand tree that can grow up to 60 meters high. The trunk of the tree is quite smooth and cylindrical. Its trunk diameter also ranges around the 200 centimeters. There isn’t a distinct color difference between the Ayous’ sapwood and heartwood. Furthermore, the sapwood has a low resistance and some discolorations may appear on its surface over the time. Ayous’ wet weight is generally around 550-600 kg/m3, but its dry weight could be around 400-450 kg/m3. In addition to this, its wood has low resistance to fungus, termite, and insects.
PAO ROSA
AREAS OF GROWTH
The colors of the pao rosa are resembles rainbow. It is rare species that grows in the tropical rain forests of Central and West Africa. It especially grows in Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, and Congo.
IMPORT AND EXPORT
It is a precious wood that is frequently used and regularly imported by European countries. The main producer and distributor of this tree is the Ivory Coast. The other countries are Gabon, Cameroon, Ghana and Guinea. France, on the other hand, has the first place among the list of main buyers of this tree. Besides, France is followed by Germany, Netherlands, Italy and the United Arab Emirates.
FEATURES AND STRUCTURE
The pao rosa can grow to an average height of 30 meters. The trunk of this tree is curved and its diameter ranges around 100 centimeters. The pao rosa’s wet weight is 1200-1250 kg/m3, but after the drying process, it becomes about 1050-1100 kg/m3. The sapwood of this tree is generally pale yellow. Pao Rosa’s heartwood, on the other hand, is in reddish brown tones. This tree is hard and heavy thanks to its smoothness and interlocked wavy grains. The pao rosa, which is highly resistant to weather conditions, is also resistant to decay, abrasion and deterioration thanks to its waterproof structure.
ZEBRANO
AREAS OF GROWTH
Zebrano tree, which has a quite fancy surface, took its name from the zebra. This tree contains the wild beauty and simplicity in its nature and is one of the endemic species in Africa. It grows in the central parts of West Africa, especially in the tropical rainforests of Cameroon, Congo, and Gabon.
IMPORT AND EXPORT
The zebrano is considered an endangered plant species. Therefore, it recently became an important tree and its commercial value has been regularly increasing. Cameroon is the main producer of this tree. Cameroon is respectively followed by Gabon, Congo and Angola. Besides, Saudi Arabia comes first among the main buyers of the zebrano. It is followed by the United Arab Emirates, Iran, France and Spain.
FEATURES AND STRUCTURE
The zebrano has an average height of 40 meters. Its trunk diameter can reach up to 120 centimeters. Its heartwood’s color ranges between pale pink and dark brown tones. The sapwood, on the other hand, is in the whitish tones. The wet weight of the tree is about 1100-1200 kg/m3, but its dry weight is about 800-900 kg/m3. The drying process must be carried out meticulously; otherwise, the risk of deformation can be at the highest levels. The zebrano is highly resistant to decay thanks to its waterproof structure. This ensures a long life of the zebrano in outdoor use. Moreover, it is also resistant to fungus, termites, and insects.
TEAK
AREAS OF GROWTH
The teak tree is one of the most valuable tree species in the world. This tree generally spreads in tropical climates. In the Asian continent, India, Indonesia, Thailand and Myanmar are known as its homeland. In addition, it can grow in the African continent, especially in Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Tanzania.
IMPORT AND EXPORT
India ranks first in the export of teak logs. The other largest producers of this tree are Indonesia and Thailand and. The USA, on the other hand, is the leading importers of the teak tree. The other essential countries that mainly export the teak are China, Saudi Arabia and The United Arab Emirates.
FEATURES AND STRUCTURE
The teak has a worldwide reputation, thanks to its strength and durability. The teak tree can also live up to 500 years. The teak wood has an average height of 30 to 45 meters. Its wet weight is between 750 and 900 kg/m3, but its dried weight is between 650 and 750 kg/m3. Its sapwood color varies in pale yellow tones, while the heartwood is dark brown or dark golden yellow. Plus, it is resistant to fungus, insects and rot. In addition, the teak wood shows a very low tendency to crack and split during the drying process.
BURMA TEAK
AREAS OF GROWTH
Burma teak is a subspecies of the teak tree. It is among the most qualified and valuable trees in the world. The burma teak is frequently grown in Asian countries such as India, Thailand and the Philippines.
IMPORT AND EXPORT
A lot of countries from different parts of the world use this tree. China is the leading country that mostly exports this rare beauty. Other important countries on this list are Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines. In addition, the United States, England, France and Japan are the leading importers of the burma teak.
FEATURES AND STRUCTURE
Burma teak can grow up to 40 meters high depending on the natural growing conditions. Its trunk diameter can reach up to 100 cm. Its sapwood color is creamy white and pale yellowish-brown, but the heartwood is brown tones. The wet weight of the tree is about 1000 kg/m3, and the dried weight is around 750 kg/m3. Burma teak has a high resistance to rot and deterioration. It is also resistant to fungus, insects and termites.