Lesser-Known & Lesser-Used Timber Species

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LESSER-KNOWN & LESSER-USED TIMBER SPECIES

UTILISING GHANA’S SUSTAINABLE TIMBER RESOURCES BVRio is a non-profit organisation founded in 2011 with the objective to create and promote the use of market mechanisms to facilitate environmental objectives. Originally created in Brazil, BVRio now operates internationally. BVRio’s work is focused around four ambitious goals: climate change mitigation, sustainable forest management, sustainable agriculture, and circular economy. One of BVRio’s major programmes to achieve sustainable forest management is the promotion of trade in legal and certified timber from tropical coun- tries. As part of this, in 2016 BVRio launched the Responsible Timber Exchange, an online negotiations platform for sourcing legal and sustainable timber products.

The Forestry Commission of Ghana is responsible for the regulation of utilisation of forest and wildlife resources, the conservation and management of those resources and the coordination of policies related to them. The Commission’s aim is to be a corporate body of excellence in the sustainable development management and utilisation of Ghana's forest and wildlife resources meeting both national and global standards for forest and wildlife resource conservation and development. Within the Commission, the Timber Industry Devel- opment Division (TIDD) provides specialised services in promoting efficiency in product quality assurance and value-addition in the Timber Industry and Trade consistent with best environmental practices.

Forestry Research Institute of Ghana (FORIG) is one of the 13 institutes of the Council for Scien- tific and Industrial Research (CSIR). It is located at Fumesua near Kumasi in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. FORIG undertake demand-driven research, build capacity and promote the application of technologies for sustainable management of forest resources for the benefit of society. CONTENTS GHANA'S TIMBER INDUSTRY ..... 04 PROPERTIES / CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SPECIES ...... 05 SPECIES ...... 09-28 APPENDIX ...... 29

AFRICAN AFINA 09 GREENHEART 10

AKEE 11 APOME / ANANTA 12

ALSTONIA 13 AVODIRE 14

DANTA / KOTIBÉ 15 DENYA / OKAN 16

DIALIUM 17 EFFEU 18

ESSANG / ASOMA 19 KROMA / EVEUSS 20

KUMBI 21 LATI / YAYA 22

NIANGON 23 OKORO / NONGO 24

RED OAK / KWATAFOMPABOA 25 TETEKON 26

WATAPUO 27 WAWABIMA / 28 BROWN STERCULIA

GHANA'S TIMBER N INDUSTRY

Ghana’s vibrant timber industry has existed WHY LESSER-KNOWN AND for more than 130 years, comprising of log- LESSER-USED SPECIES? ging, sawmilling, veneer mills, ply mills, and moulding mills. There is an annual allowable Lesser-known and lesser-used species refer cut of 2 million cubic metres of round logs in this booklet to under-utilised timber spe- which has been sustained over the years. All cies from Ghana that have similar properties the round logs produced are locally processed to other popular species. following the Ghana Standard Authority (GSA) specifications that meet ISO standards. Over There are more than 50,000 species of timber 80% of the exported products come from in the world, but only a small proportion of these companies operating with FSC control wood are used commercially. Currently, Ghana has and chain of custody certificates. nearly 90 species that are regularly exploit- ed and traded as timber. Lesser-known and Ghana signed a VPA in 2009 with the EU lesser-used species can have similar and even and this has brought the industry into com- better performance for some specific end-us- pliance with all the principles of sustainabil- es; they can also have a more distinctive and ity. All exporting companies are assessed unique appearance compared to more popular to meet the legal, social, environmental, and ones. Using these species is not only a good financial criteria before being issued with the business decision but also has the potential export permits. With the VPA process almost to improve livelihoods and protect biodiversity. complete, Ghana will soon become the sec- ond country able to issue FLEGT licenses. The 20 lesser-known and lesser-used species FLEGT-licensed timber products from Ghana from Ghana displayed in this booklet have will be able to enter the EU market without un- been selected based on their availability in dergoing the due diligence checks required by terms of volume in the natural forests, their the European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR). properties and their levels of utilization.

4 LESSER-KNOWN & LESSER-USED TIMBER SPECIES DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTIES

APPEARANCE STRUCTURAL PROPERTIES

Colour Refers to the qualities of wood that indicate Refers to the natural colour of the wood, its ability to resist applied external forces. which is developed due to the accumulation They are an important criteria in determining of extractives during heartwood formation. the relative suitability of the different wood Texture species for various uses. Refers to the size and proportional amount of woody elements and this can be described Basic density in relation to pore sizes as fine, medium and Refers to the weight or mass of wood divided coarse. by the volume of the specimen at a given Lustre moisture content. It is one of the most import- Refers to the way in which light reflecting ant physical properties of wood. The following from the wood appears to penetrate into and scale shows the classification used in accor- then shine from the surface of the board. It dance with TIDD (2012) and Farmer (1972). is classified as dull, moderate and lustrous.

3 Fibre length kg/m 300 450 650 800 Refers to how straight and unbroken a single fibre is under microscope. It influences the Low Medium Heavy Very heavy strength properties wood and pulping char- Classification kg/m3 acteristics, and is measured in mm. Low 300 – 450 Grain Medium 450 – 650 Heavy 650 – 800 Indicates the orientation of the cells of the Very Heavy > 800 axial system or fiber direction as in "straight", "wavy", and "interlocked".

LESSER-KNOWN & LESSER-USED TIMBER SPECIES 5 Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) Shear parallel to the grain Refers to the resistance to deformation of Refers to the ability of a piece of wood to resist wood during bending. It is the stiffness or the internal slipping of one part upon another along flexibility of wood when external forces are the grain when external forces act upon it in applied. These species are classified into five such a way that one portion tends to slide upon (5) strength groups or classes in accordance another adjacent to it. with BS 2568-2. N/mm2 4 10 16 20

6k 7.5k 12.6k 15.6k 18k Weak Medium Strong Very strong

D30 D40 D50 D60 D70 2

Classification N/mm D30 Weak 4 – 9 D40 D50 D60 D70 Medium 10 – 15 Mean 9500 10800 15000 18500 21000 Strong 16 – 19 Minimum 6000 7500 12600 15600 18000 Very Strong > 20 very weak medium strong very weak strong

Modulus of Rupture (MOR) Janka side hardness Refers to the measure of the strength of wood Refers to the resistance to indentation and/or before rupture during bending, also known abrasion (surface scratching). as shear modulus. The hardwoods included N/mm2 3k 6k 9k here are classified as weak, medium, strong and very strong. Weak Medium Strong Very strong

2 N/mm 30 70 100 170 Classification Janka side hardness (N) Weak 1000 – 2999 Weak Medium Strong Very strong Medium 3000 – 5999 Strong 6000 – 8999 2 Classification N/mm Very Strong > 9000 Weak 30 – 69 Medium 70 – 99 Strong 100 – 169 Very Strong > 170

Compression parallel to the grain Refers to the resistance to external forces acting longitudinally on a piece of wood.

N/mm2 30 60 80

Weak Medium Strong Very strong

Classification N/mm2 Weak 10 – 29 Medium 30 – 59 Strong 60 – 79 Very Strong > 80

6 LESSER-KNOWN & LESSER-USED TIMBER SPECIES PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES Movement in service Refers to the changes in the moisture content Durability of the wood according to the environment Refers to the ability of the wood species to that surrounds it. As humidity increases, the resist the attacks of deteriorating organisms. moisture content increases, and the wood Although wood is not completely immune to swells causing expansion, while a decrease such attacks, some of the species possess in humidity decreases the moisture content superior resistance. The natural durability of thereby causing the wood to shrink. Different the species are grouped according to ASTM species exhibit different rates of movement D-2017 (2005), which is the decay resistance in wood due to differences in their shrink- rating of the test specimens as indicated in age rates. Wood surfaces coated expand or the table below: contract at a slower rate than the surfaces

10 25 45 100% of raw wood. Movement does not occur in all directions equally and movement across the

I II III Class IV grain is higher while very little is experienced along the length. Wood being a complex ma- Average weight loss (%) Decay resistance class terial has many variables that affect moisture 0 – 10 Highly resistant content and wood movement. The movement 11 – 24 Resistant is classified as small, medium and large. 25 – 44 Moderately resistant > 45 Susceptible

Small Medium Large

Treatability Refers to the ease with which a species of WORKING QUALITIES wood takes in preservatives using vacuum or pressure processes. The classification is Sawmilling described in the table below: Refers to the ease of sawing or operation of sawmill equipment and scheduling of materi- Classification Description Permeable Timber species of which preservatives als to produce optimum quantity and quality can be penetrated completely under pressure without difficulty of sawn timber. The classification of easy, Moderately Species which are fairly easy to treat medium and difficult consider a band sawing resistant and are possible for lateral penetration to be obtained or penetration of large approach. proportion of the vessels is possible Resistant Species that are difficult to impregnate under pressure and Machining require a long period of treatment Refers to the process of cutting wood into Extremely Species with the possibility of resistant absorbing only a small quantity of desired shapes and dimension using very preservative even under long pressure treatments. Preservatives are not simple or complex woodworking equipment able to penetrate to an appreciable depth laterally and longitudinally such as moulder, routers, lathes and sanders. Machining improves surface quality and aes- thetic value of wood. It is classified as poor, satisfactory and good. Permeable Moderately Resistant Extremely resistant resistant

LESSER-KNOWN & LESSER-USED TIMBER SPECIES 7 Blunting Finishing Refers to the blunting effect of edges of Refers to operations involved in the applica- cutters and saws with timber. It is classified tion of transparent or opaque liquid coatings as severe, moderately severe and slight. It on the wood to protect and enhance its dura- is affected by the type of wood species, the bility and appearance. It is classified as poor, presence of inclusions and varies within par- satisfactory and good. ticular species. CLASSIFICATION OF WORKING QUALITIES Drying Refers to the process of removing moisture OPERATION CLASSIFICATION in wood to a desired level through application of Kiln drying schedule to improve its service- ability. It is classified as slow, moderately rapid Sawing Easy Medium Difficult and rapid. The drying of wood is influenced by Machining Good Satisfactory Poor density and anatomical structures. Blunting Slight Moderate Severe

Gluing Drying Rapid Moderate Slow

Refers to the use of wood adhesives to bond Gluing Good Satisfactory Poor

the timber to another surface. The application Finishing Good Satisfactory Poor and subsequent bonding can be classified as Screw and Good Satisfactory Poor good, satisfactory and poor. nail holding

8 LESSER-KNOWN & LESSER-USED TIMBER SPECIES BACK TO SUMMARY

AFINA Common names Afina (Ghana) Scientific name Strombosia glaucescens (Engl): Synonym - Strombosia pustulata Oliv.

Appearance Availability Colour: Brown or pale-brown with purple Log production is from sustainably managed streaks (Heartwood); Pale brown (Sapwood). production natural forest based on the Ghana Texture: Fine forest management standards. Annual round Lustre: Moderate log production equivalent to the annual al- Fibre length: Above 1.6 mm lowable cut is estimated at 300,000m3, for Grain: Fairly straight conversion into lumber, poles, and veneer.

Structural properties Similarity with other species Denya/Okan (Cylicodiscus gabunensis); Basic Density kg/m3 850 – 1,020 (very heavy) Apome/Ananta (Cynometra ananta); Dialium Eyoum (Dialium aubrevillei); Tali/Missanda (Erythrophleum africanum); Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) N/mm2 16,370 – 20,190 Ekki (Lophira alata); D60 Manilkara/Monghinza (Manilkara obovata); African greenheart/Sougue (Parinari excelsa). Modulus of Rupture (MOR) N/mm2 170 – 243 Working qualities Sawing Compression parallel to grain N/mm2 Machining 58 – 90 Blunting Drying

Janka side hardness N/mm2 Gluing 5,300 – 7,900 Finishing Screw and nail holding

Performance properties End-uses Durability moderately resistant

Treatability Heavy Sleepers extremely resistant construction

Moisture movement large

Flooring Turnery

LESSER-KNOWN & LESSER-USED TIMBER SPECIES 9 BACK TO SUMMARY

AFRICAN GREENHEART Common name Afam (Ghana) Scientific name Parinari excelsa (Sabine)

Appearance Availability Colour: Pale red, chocolate-brown or Log production is from sustainably managed greenish-grey (Heartwood); production natural forest based on the Ghana Yellowish-white (Sapwood). forest management standards. Annual round Texture: Coarse log production equivalent to the annual allow- Lustre: Dull able cut is estimated at 52,100m3, for conver- Fibre length: 0.9 – 1.6 mm sion into lumber, poles, veneer and plywood. Grain: Wavy to interlocked Similarity with other species Structural properties Afzelia/Papao/Doussie (Afzelia africana); Apome/Ananta (Cynometra ananta); Basic Density kg/m3 Dialium Eyoum (Dialium aubrevillei); 730 – 920 (very heavy) Tali/Missanda (Erythrophleum africanum); African apple/Bompagya (Mammea africana); Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) N/mm2 10,900 – 18,050 Danta (Nesogordonia papaverifera); D50 Essia (Petersianthus macrocarpus); Dahoma/Dabema (Piptadeniastrum africanum); Modulus of Rupture (MOR) N/mm2 Afena/Strombosia (Strombosia glaucescens). 111 – 204

Working qualities Compression parallel to grain N/mm2 42 – 88 Sawing Machining Blunting 2 Sheer parallel to grain N/mm Drying 10 – 16 Gluing Finishing Janka side hardness N/mm2 Screw and nail holding 7,640 – 8,880

End-uses Performance properties

Durability moderately resistant Heavy Flooring Joinery Steps and construction stairs Treatability moderately resistant

Moisture movement medium Trims and Sleepers Furniture Turnery frames

LESSER-KNOWN & LESSER-USED 10 TIMBER SPECIES BACK TO SUMMARY

AKEE Common names Akye fufuo (Ghana) Scientific name Blighia sapida (K.D. Koenig)

Appearance Availability Colour: Reddish-brown, brown-orange Log production is from sustainably managed (Heartwood); White (Sapwood). production natural forest based on the Ghana Texture: Medium forest management standards. Annual round Lustre: Dull log production equivalent to the annual al- Fibre length: 1.4 mm lowable cut is estimated at 39,500m3, for Grain: Straight/slightly wavy conversion into lumber.

Structural properties Similarity with other species Other Blighia species (B. unijugata, Basic Density kg/m3 521 – 680 (medium) and B. welwitschii); Aningre / Asanfena (Aningeria altissima); Celtis/Ohia (Celtis adolfi-friderici); Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) N/mm2 12,190 – 22,650 Celtis/Ohia (Celtis mildbraedii); D60 Chrysophyllum Longhi (C albidum); Akossika (Scottellia klaineana). Modulus of Rupture (MOR) N/mm2 86 – 159 Working qualities Sawing 2 Compression parallel to grain N/mm Machining 30 – 62 Blunting Drying Sheer parallel to grain N/mm2 Gluing 16 – 22 Finishing Screw and nail holding

Janka side hardness N/mm2 3,100 – 23,000 End-uses

Performance properties

Durability moderately resistant Construction Pallets and Furniture crates

Treatability permeable

Turnery Cabinet Handicrafts Moisture movement work small

LESSER-KNOWN & LESSER-USED TIMBER SPECIES 11 BACK TO SUMMARY

APOME / ANANTA Common names Ananta (Ghana) Scientific name Cynometra Ananta (Hutch. & Dalziel)

Appearance Availability Colour: Dark red with darker streaks Log production is from sustainably managed (Heartwood); Pink-brown (Sapwood). production natural forest based on the Ghana Texture: Coarse forest management standards. Annual round Fibre length: 0.9 – 2.0 mm log production equivalent to the annual al- Grain: Straight to wavy lowable cut is estimated at 248,000m3, for conversion into lumber and poles. Structural properties Similarity with other species Basic Density kg/m3 910 – 1,000 (very heavy) Denya/Okan (Cylicodiscus gabunensis); Dialium Eyoum (Dialium aubrevillei); Tali/Missanda (Erythrophleum africanum); Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) N/mm2 14,700 – 17,840 Ekki (Lophira alata); D60 Manilkara/Monghinza (Manilkara obovata); African greenheart/Afam/Sougue Modulus of Rupture (MOR) N/mm2 (Parinari excelsa); 126 – 187 Dahoma/Dabema (Piptadeniastrum africanum); Afena/Strombosia (Strombosia glaucescens). Compression parallel to grain N/mm2 72 – 83 Working qualities Sawing 2 Janka side hardness N/mm Machining 11,700 Blunting Drying Gluing Performance properties Finishing Durability Screw and nail holding highly resistant End-uses Treatability extremely resistant

Moisture movement large Flooring Heavy Sleepers construction

Joinery Turnery Furniture

LESSER-KNOWN & LESSER-USED 12 TIMBER SPECIES BACK TO SUMMARY

ALSTONIA Common names Sinuro/sinduro, Nyamedua (Ghana) Scientific name Alstonia boonei (De Wild)

Appearance Availability Colour: Yellowish-white (Heartwood and Annual round log production equivalent to the Sapwood) annual allowable cut is estimated at 178,900 m3, Texture: Medium for conversion into lumber, veneer and plywood. Fibre length: 0.9 – 1.6 mm Grain: Straight and sometimes wavy Similarity with other species Chenchen/Ako/Antiaris (Antiaris toxicaria); Structural properties African canarium/Aiele (C. schweinfurthii); Colawood/Watapuo (Cola gigantea); Basic Density kg/m3 Ogea (Daniellia ogea); 360 – 420 (low) Sese/Holarrhena (Holarrhena floribunda); Lannea/Kumanini/Kumbi (L. welwitschii); Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) N/mm2 5,790 – 10,500 Asoma/Essang (Parkia bicolor). D30 Working qualities Modulus of Rupture (MOR) N/mm2 Sawing 48 – 73 Machining Blunting Compression parallel to grain N/mm2 Drying 23 – 37 Gluing Finishing Sheer parallel to grain N/mm2 Screw and nail holding 6 – 7

End-uses Janka side hardness N/mm2 1,820

Performance properties Construction Furniture Cabinet work Durability susceptible

Treatability Moulding Joinery Trims and permeable frames

Moisture movement small

Pallets and Handicrafts crates

LESSER-KNOWN & LESSER-USED TIMBER SPECIES 13 BACK TO SUMMARY

AVODIRE Common name Apapaye (Ghana) Scientific name Turreanthus africanus (Welw.) Pellegr

Appearance Availability Colour: Creamy-white to pale-yellow, Log production is from sustainably managed darkening to golden-yellow (Heartwood and production natural forest based on the Ghana Sapwood) forest management standards. Annual round Texture: Fine log production equivalent to the annual al- Lustre: Lustrous lowable cut is estimated at 16,000m3, for Fibre length: 1.4 – 2.3 mm conversion into lumber, veneer and plywood. Grain: Straight to interlocked Similarity with other species Structural properties African canarium/Aiele (Canarium schweinfurthii); Basic Density kg/m3 Gmelina (Gmelina arborea); 460 – 660 (medium) Koto/African pterygota (Pterygota macrocarpa); Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) N/mm2 8,300 – 12,100 Akossika (Scottellia klaineana); D40 Sterculia yellow /Eyong/Ohaa (Sterculia oblonga). Modulus of Rupture (MOR) N/mm2 83 – 166 Working qualities Sawing 2 Compression parallel to grain N/mm Machining 36 – 61 Blunting Drying Sheer parallel to grain N/mm2 Gluing 9 – 19 Finishing Screw and nail holding Janka side hardness N/mm2 4,800 End-uses

Performance properties

Durability susceptible Furniture Joinery

Treatability permeable Cabinet Paneling work Moisture movement small

LESSER-KNOWN & LESSER-USED 14 TIMBER SPECIES BACK TO SUMMARY

DANTA / KOTIBÉ Common names Danta, Epro, Akumaba (Ghana) Scientific name Nesogordonia papaverifera (A. Chev.) R. Capuron

Appearance Availability Colour: Red-brown (Heartwood); Log production is from sustainably managed Pale red-brown (Sapwood). production natural forest based on the Ghana Texture: Fine forest management standards. Annual round Lustre: Dull log production equivalent to the annual al- Fibre length: 0.8 – 1.3 mm lowable cut is estimated at 120,000m3, for Grain: Straight conversion into lumber, veneer and plywood.

Structural properties Similarity with other species Utile/Sipo (Entandrophragma utile); Basic Density kg/m3 Scented Guarea/Bosse (Guarea cedrata); 740 (heavy) African apple/Bompagya (M. africana); Essia (Petersianthus macrocarpus); Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) N/mm2 Stercilia brown/Wawabima (S. rhinopetala); 11,700 Makore/Baku (Tieghemella heckelii). D50

Modulus of Rupture (MOR) N/mm2 Working qualities 137 Sawing Machining

Compression parallel to grain N/mm2 Blunting 69.3 Drying Gluing Finishing Sheer parallel to grain N/mm2 12 Screw and nail holding

End-uses Janka side hardness N/mm2 8,204

Performance properties Joinery Turnery Cabinet work Durability highly resistant

Treatability extremely resistant Flooring Paneling Furniture

Moisture movement small

LESSER-KNOWN & LESSER-USED TIMBER SPECIES 15 BACK TO SUMMARY

DENYA / OKAN Common names Denya (Ghana) Scientific name Cylicodiscus gabunensis (Harms)

Appearance Availability Colour: Yellow brown to yellowish-red Log production is from sustainably managed (Heartwood); Grayish-pink (Sapwood). production natural forest based on the Ghana Texture: Coarse forest management standards. Annual round Lustre: Lustrous log production equivalent to the annual al- Fibre length: 1.1 – 1.9 mm lowable cut is estimated at 500,000m3, for Grain: Interlocked conversion into lumber and poles.

Structural properties Similarity with other species Apome/Ananta (Cynometra ananta); Basic Density kg/m3 Dialium Eyoum (Dialium aubrevillei); 770 – 1,100 (heavy) Tali/Missanda (Erythrophleum africanum); Ekki (Lophira alata); Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) N/mm2 14,700 – 22,600 Manilkara/Monghinza (Manilkara obovata); D70 African greenheart/Afam/Sougue (Parinari excelsa); 2 Modulus of Rupture (MOR) N/mm Dahoma/Dabema (P. africanum); 129 – 230 Afena/Strombosia (Strombosia glaucescens).

2 Compression parallel to grain N/mm Working qualities 64 – 108 Sawing Machining 2 Sheer parallel to grain N/mm Blunting 8 – 22 Drying Gluing Janka side hardness N/mm2 Finishing 10,600 – 12,800 Screw and nail holding

End-uses Performance properties

Durability highly resistant

Heavy Flooring Furniture Treatability construction extremely resistant

Moisture movement medium Joinery Steps and Sleepers stairs

LESSER-KNOWN & LESSER-USED 16 TIMBER SPECIES BACK TO SUMMARY

DIALIUM Common names Duabankye (Ghana) Scientific name Dialium aubrevillei (Pellegr)

Appearance Availability Colour: Pink-brown or almost black, Log production is from sustainably managed brown-orange (Heartwood); production natural forest based on the Ghana Pale-pink brown (Sapwood). forest management standards. Annual round Texture: Fine log production equivalent to the annual allow- Fibre length: 1.1 – 1.7 mm able cut is estimated at 51,900m3, for conver- Grain: Straight sion into lumber, poles and posts.

Structural properties Similarity with other species Denya/Okan (Cylicodiscus gabunensis); Basic Density kg/m3 900 – 1,050 a(very heavy) Apome/Ananta (Cynometra ananta); Tali/Missanda (Erythrophleum africanum); Ekki (Lophira alata); Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) N/mm2 20,600 – 25,500 Manilkara/Monghinza (Manilkara obovata); D70 African greenheart/Afam/Sougue (Parinari excelsa); Modulus of Rupture (MOR) N/mm2 Afena/Strombosia (Strombosia glaucescens). 165 – 203

Working qualities Compression parallel to grain N/mm2 Sawing 96 – 128 Machining Blunting Drying Performance properties Gluing Finishing Durability Screw and nail holding highly resistant

End-uses Treatability extremely resistant

Moisture movement medium Heavy Steps and construction stairs

Flooring Sleepers

LESSER-KNOWN & LESSER-USED TIMBER SPECIES 17 BACK TO SUMMARY

EFFEU Common names Hotro-Hotro, Fotie (Ghana) Scientific name Hannoa klaineana (Pierre)

Appearance Availability Colour: White or yellowish-white Log production is from sustainably managed (Heartwood and Sapwood). production natural forest based on the Ghana Texture: Coarse forest management standards. Annual round Fibre length: 1.6 mm log production equivalent to the annual allow- Grain: Interlocked to straight able cut is estimated at 67,500m3, for conversion into lumber, billets, veneer and plywood. Structural properties Similarity with other species 3 Basic Density kg/m Chenchen/Ako/Antiaris (Antiaris toxicaria); 350 (low) African canarium/Aiele (C. schweinfurthii); Colawood/Watapuo (Cola gigantea); Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) N/mm2 3,800 – 8,200 Ogea (Daniellia ogea); D30 Sese/Holarrhena (Holarrhena floribunda); Asoma/Essang (Parkia bicolor). Modulus of Rupture (MOR) N/mm2 44 – 53 Working qualities Sawing Machining Performance properties Blunting Drying Durability Gluing susceptible Finishing Screw and nail holding Treatability permeable End-uses

Moisture movement medium

Turnery Trims and frames

Furniture Cabinet work

LESSER-KNOWN & LESSER-USED 18 TIMBER SPECIES BACK TO SUMMARY

ESSANG / ASOMA Common names Asoma (Ghana) Scientific name Parkia bicolor (A.Chev.)

Appearance Availability Colour: Brown, pale-brown (Heartwood); Log production is from sustainably managed Yellowish (Sapwood). production natural forest based on the Ghana Texture: Coarse forest management standards. Annual round Lustre: Lustrous log production equivalent to the annual al- Fibre length: 0.9 – 1.6 mm lowable cut is estimated at 191,250m3, for Grain: Straight to interlocked conversion into lumber, veneer and plywood.

Structural properties Similarity with other species Chenchen/Ako/Antiaris (Antiaris toxicaria); Basic Density kg/m3 African canarium/Aiele (C. schweinfurthii); 460 – 630 (medium) Colawood/Watapuo (Cola gigantea); Ogea (Daniellia ogea); Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) N/mm2 9,500 – 11,600 Sese/Holarrhena (Holarrhena floribunda). D40 Working qualities Modulus of Rupture (MOR) N/mm2 Sawing 35 – 126 Machining Blunting Compression parallel to grain N/mm2 Drying 34 – 44 Gluing Finishing

Sheer parallel to grain N/mm2 Screw and nail holding 6 – 7 End-uses Janka side hardness N/mm2 2,470

Performance properties Construction Joinery Trims and frames Durability susceptible

Treatability Furniture Cabinet Pallets and moderately resistant work crates

Moisture movement medium

LESSER-KNOWN & LESSER-USED TIMBER SPECIES 19 BACK TO SUMMARY

KROMA / EVEUSS Common names Kroma, Kruma (Ghana) Scientific name Klainedoxa gabonensis (Pierre)

Appearance Availability Colour: Orange-yellow or golden-brown, Log production is from sustainably managed darken to dark-brown (Heartwood and production natural forest based on the Ghana Sapwood). forest management standards. Annual round Texture: Medium log production equivalent to the annual al- Lustre: Dull lowable cut is estimated at 114,000m3, for Fibre length: 1.6 – 2.0 mm conversion into lumber and poles. Grain: Straight to wavy Similarity with other species Structural properties Denya/Okan (Cylicodiscus gabunensis); Apome/Ananta (Cynometra ananta); Basic Density kg/m3 Dialium Eyoum (Dialium aubrevillei); 940 – 1,150 (very heavy) Tali/Missanda (Erythrophleum africanum); Ovengkol/Hyedua (Guibourtia ehie); Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) N/mm2 15,970 – 21,280 Ekki (Lophira alata); D70 Manilkara/Monghinza (Manilkara obovata); Afena/Strombosia (Strombosia glaucescens). Modulus of Rupture (MOR) N/mm2 167 – 250 Working qualities Sawing Compression parallel to grain N/mm2 Machining 83 – 104 Blunting Drying Sheer parallel to grain N/mm2 Gluing 14 – 18 Finishing Screw and nail holding Janka side hardness N/mm2 7,700 – 18,200 End-uses

Performance properties

Durability highly resistant Heavy Flooring Furniture construction

Treatability moderately resistant

Joinery Sleepers Turnery Moisture movement large

LESSER-KNOWN & LESSER-USED 20 TIMBER SPECIES BACK TO SUMMARY

KUMBI Common names Kumanini (Ghana) Scientific name Lannea welwitschii (Hiern) Engl.

Appearance Availability Colour: Pink-gray to pale brown (Heartwood Log production is from sustainably managed and Sapwood). production natural forest based on the Ghana Texture: Medium forest management standards. Annual round Lustre: Dull log production equivalent to the annual al- Fibre length: 1.4 mm lowable cut is estimated at 21,200m3, for Grain: Straight to interlocked conversion into lumber, veneer and plywood.

Structural properties Similarity with other species Okoro/Nongo (Albizia zygia); Basic Density kg/m3 Chenchen/Ako/Antiaris (Antiaris toxicaria); 321 – 701 (medium) African canarium/Aiele (C. schweinfurthii); Colawood/Watapuo (Cola gigantea); Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) N/mm2 8,356 – 12,540 Ogea (Daniellia ogea); D40 Edinam/Tiama/Gedu-Nohor (E. angolense); Sapele/Sapelli (E. cylindricum); 2 Modulus of Rupture (MOR) N/mm Utile/Sipo (Entandrophragma utile); 46 – 91 Sese/Holarrhena (Holarrhena floribunda).

2 Compression parallel to grain N/mm Working qualities 11 – 30 Sawing Machining 2 Sheer parallel to grain N/mm Blunting 6 – 10 Drying Gluing Janka side hardness N/mm2 Finishing 2,450 – 7,370 Screw and nail holding

End-uses Performance properties

Durability susceptible

Joinery Pallets and Trims and Treatability crates frames moderately resistant

Moisture movement medium Paneling Moulding

LESSER-KNOWN & LESSER-USED TIMBER SPECIES 21 BACK TO SUMMARY

LATI / YAYA Common names Yaya (Ghana) Scientific name Amphimas pterocarpoides (Harms)

Appearance Availability Colour: Yellowish-brown (Heartwood); Log production is from sustainably managed Yellowish-white (Sapwood). production natural forest based on the Ghana Texture: Coarse forest management standards. Annual round Lustre: Dull log production equivalent to the annual al- Fibre length: Unavailable lowable cut is estimated at 62,000m3, for Grain: Straight to wavy conversion into lumber, veneer and plywood.

Structural properties Similarity with other species Ayan/Movingui (Distemonanthus Basic Density kg/m3 benthamianus); 670 – 880 (heavy) Ketele/Holoptelea (Holoptelea grandis); Akossika (Scottellia klaineana); Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) N/mm2 11,600 – 16,300 Sterculia yellow/Eyong/Ohaa D50 (Sterculia oblonga).

Modulus of Rupture (MOR) N/mm2 Working qualities 50 – 60 Sawing Machining Compression parallel to grain N/mm2 Blunting 50 – 64 Drying Gluing Sheer parallel to grain N/mm2 Finishing 16 Screw and nail holding

Janka side hardness N/mm2 End-uses 5,800

Performance properties Construction Flooring Joinery Furniture Durability moderately resistant

Treatability permeable Trims and Pallets and Sleepers Steps and frames crates stairs Moisture movement medium

LESSER-KNOWN & LESSER-USED 22 TIMBER SPECIES BACK TO SUMMARY

NIANGON Common names Nyankom (Ghana) Scientific name Heritiera utilis (Sprague)

Appearance Availability Colour: Pink-brown (Heartwood); Log production is from sustainably managed Pale pink-brown (Sapwood). production natural forest based on the Ghana Texture: Coarse forest management standards. Annual round Fibre length: 0.5 – 2.1 mm log production equivalent to the annual al- Grain: Straight to interlocked lowable cut is estimated at 100,000m3, for conversion into lumber, veneer and plywood. Structural properties Similarity with other species 3 Basic Density kg/m Edinam/Tiama/Gedu-Nohor 625 – 700 (heavy) (Entandrophragma angolense); Sapele/Sapelli (E. cylindricum); Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) N/mm2 9,120 – 14,400 Utile/Sipo (Entandrophragma utile); D50 Scented Guarea/Bosse (Guarea cedrata); African apple/Bompagya (M. africana); Modulus of Rupture (MOR) N/mm2 Danta (Nesogordonia papaverifera); 74 – 171 Stercilia brown/Wawabima (S. rhinopetala); Makore/Baku (Tieghemella heckelii). Compression parallel to grain N/mm2 38 – 62 Working qualities Sawing Sheer parallel to grain N/mm2 Machining 4 – 13 Blunting Drying 2 Janka side hardness N/mm Gluing 3,740 – 4,890 Finishing Screw and nail holding Performance properties End-uses Durability moderately resistant

Treatability extremely resistant Construction Joinery Cabinet work

Moisture movement medium

Trims and Doors Sleepers frames

LESSER-KNOWN & LESSER-USED TIMBER SPECIES 23 BACK TO SUMMARY

OKORO / NONGO Common names Okoro, Okuro (Ghana) Scientific name Albizia zygia (DC.) J.F.Macbr.

Appearance Availability Colour: Light pinkish-brown, yellow- Log production is from sustainably managed ish-brown (Heartwood); Yellowish-white production natural forest based on the Ghana (Sapwood). forest management standards. Annual round Texture: Coarse log production equivalent to the annual allow- Lustre: Moderate able cut is estimated at 2,047m3, for conver- Fibre length: 1.1 – 1.4 mm sion into lumber, veneer and plywood. Grain: Straight to interlocked Similarity with other species Structural properties Antrocaryon/Onzabili (A. micraster); African canarium/Aiele (C. schweinfurthii); Basic Density kg/m3 Scented Guarea/Bosse (Guarea cedrata); 500 – 720 (medium) Niangon (Heritiera utilis); African Walnut/Dibetou (Lovoa trichilioides); Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) N/mm2 8,400 – 12,000 Limba/Fraké/Ofram (Terminalia superba). D40 Working qualities Modulus of Rupture (MOR) N/mm2 Sawing 66 – 118 Machining Blunting Compression parallel to grain N/mm2 Drying 42 – 65 Gluing Finishing

Sheer parallel to grain N/mm2 Screw and nail holding 11 – 16 End-uses Janka side hardness N/mm2 2,790 – 5,910

Performance properties Construction Flooring Joinery Turnery

Durability moderately resistant

Treatability Trims and Pallets and Steps and Cabinet resistant frames crates stairs works

Moisture movement small Handicrafts Furniture LESSER-KNOWN & LESSER-USED 24 TIMBER SPECIES BACK TO SUMMARY

RED OAK / KWATAFOMPABOA Common names Kwatafompaboa (Ghana) Scientific name Berlinia confusa (Hoyle)

Appearance Availability Colour: Reddish-brown (Heartwood); Log production is from sustainably managed Whitish to grayish (Sapwood). production natural forest based on the Ghana Texture: Coarse forest management standards. Annual round Fibre length: 1.1 – 1.7 mm log production equivalent to the annual al- Grain: Interlocked lowable cut is estimated at 60,000m3, for conversion into lumber, veneer and plywood. Structural properties Similarity with other species 3 Basic Density kg/m Edinam/Tiama / Gedu-Nohor (E. angolense); 610 – 720 (medium) Sapele/Sapelli (E. cylindricum); Utile/Sipo (Entandrophragma utile); 2 Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) N/mm Scented Guarea/Bosse (Guarea cedrata); 8,820 African apple/Bompagya (M. Africana); D30 Danta (Nesogordonia papaverifera);

2 Stercilia brown/Wawabima (S. rhinopetala); Modulus of Rupture (MOR) N/mm 95 – 159 Makore/Baku (Tieghemella heckelii).

Compression parallel to grain N/mm2 Working qualities 48 – 73 Sawing Machining

2 Blunting Sheer parallel to grain N/mm 8 – 12 Drying Gluing Finishing Janka side hardness N/mm2 6,310 Screw and nail holding

End-uses Performance properties

Durability moderalety resistant

Construction Flooring Joinery Furniture Treatability permeable

Moisture movement small Cabinet Steps and Turnery Paneling work stairs

LESSER-KNOWN & LESSER-USED TIMBER SPECIES 25 BACK TO SUMMARY

TETEKON Common names Tetekon (Ghana) Scientific name Gilbertiodendron limba (Scott-Elliot)

Appearance Availability Colour: dark or copper-brown (Heartwood(; Log production is from sustainably managed Graysih and yellowish (Sapwood). production natural forest based on the Ghana Texture: Medium forest management standards. Annual round Lustre: Moderate log production equivalent to the annual al- Fibre length: 1.4 mm lowable cut is estimated at 19,400m3, for conversion into lumber. Structural properties Similarity with other species 3 Basic Density kg/m Antrocaryon/Onzabili (A. micraster); 492 – 694 (medium) Berlinia/Ebiara (Berlinia confusa); African Walnut/Dibetou (Lovoa trichilioides); Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) N/mm2 8,101 – 12,690 Mansonia/Bété (Mansonia altissima); D40 Iroko/Odum (Milicia excelsa); Sterculia brown/Wawabima (S. rhinopetala); 2 Modulus of Rupture (MOR) N/mm Emire/Idigbo / Framiré (Terminalia ivorensis); 51 – 100 Limba/Fraké / Ofram (Terminalia superba); Makore/Baku (Tieghemella heckelii). Compression parallel to grain N/mm2 30 – 42 Working qualities Sawing Sheer parallel to grain N/mm2 Machining 12 – 14 Blunting Drying Janka side hardness N/mm2 Gluing 4,400 – 10,970 Finishing Screw and nail holding Performance properties End-uses Durability resistant

Treatability resistant Construction Flooring Furniture

Moisture movement medium

Joinery Trims and Steps and frames stairs

LESSER-KNOWN & LESSER-USED 26 TIMBER SPECIES BACK TO SUMMARY

WATAPUO Common names Watapuo, Wobre, Dodowa (Ghana) Scientific name Cola gigantea (A.Chev)

Appearance Availability Colour: Grey-brown, brown-orange (Heart- Log production is from sustainably managed wood); Whitish-yellow (Sapwood). production natural forest based on the Ghana Texture: Coarse forest management standards. Annual round Lustre: Lustrous log production equivalent to the annual al- Fibre length: 1.5 mm lowable cut is estimated at 65,400m3, for Grain: Interlocked conversion into lumber.

Structural properties Similarity with other species Chenchen/Ako/Antiaris (Antiaris toxicaria); Basic Density kg/m3 African canarium/Aiele (C. schweinfurthii); 470 (medium) Ogea (Daniellia ogea); Sese/Holarrhena (Holarrhena floribunda); Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) N/mm2 Lannea/Kumanini/Kumbi (L. welwitschii). 9,818

D40 Working qualities

Modulus of Rupture (MOR) N/mm2 Sawing 77 Machining Blunting Drying Gluing Performance properties Finishing Screw and nail holding Durability moderately resistant End-uses Treatability permeable

Moisture movement Construction Trims and Moulding medium frames

Furniture Cabinet Pallet and work crates

Handicrafts

LESSER-KNOWN & LESSER-USED TIMBER SPECIES 27 BACK TO SUMMARY

WAWABIMA/ BROWN STERCULIA Common names Wawabima (Ghana) Scientific name Sterculia rhinopetala (K. Schum)

Appearance Availability Colour: Dark red-brown (Heartwood); Pale Log production is from sustainably managed red-brown (Sapwood). production natural forest based on the Ghana Texture: Coarse forest management standards. Annual round Fibre length: 1.5 – 2.0 mm log production equivalent to the annual al- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked lowable cut is estimated at 170,000m3, for conversion into lumber, veneer and plywood. Structural properties Similarity with other species 3 Basic Density kg/m Utile/Sipo (Entandrophragma utile); 720 – 890 (very heavy) Scented Guarea/Bosse (Guarea cedrata); African apple/Bompagya (M. africana); Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) N/mm2 13,400 – 18,700 Danta (Nesogordonia papaverifera); D60 Essia (Petersianthus macrocarpus).

2 Modulus of Rupture (MOR) N/mm Working qualities 116 – 186 Sawing Machining 2 Compression parallel to grain N/mm Blunting 57 – 81 Drying Gluing Sheer parallel to grain N/mm2 Finishing 14 – 15 Screw and nail holding

Janka side hardness N/mm2 End-uses 6,180 – 8,050

Performance properties

Durability Construction Flooring Joinery moderately resistant

Treatability permeable Furniture Turnery Trims and frames Moisture movement medium

Doors

LESSER-KNOWN & LESSER-USED 28 TIMBER SPECIES APPENDIX: SUMMARY OF THE NAMES OF THE TWENTY SELECTED TIMBER SPECIES

Trade name Common/Local names Scientific name

Afina Afena (Ghana), Poe (Cote d’Ivoire); Strombosia glaucescens Others: Mukundu, Efenka, Omenam

Akee Akye fufuo (Ghana); Akee (Cote Blighia sapida d’Ivoire); Others: Tsana

African Greenheart Afam (Ghana); Piolo, Sougue Parinari excelsa (Cote d’Ivoire); Others: Mbura, Ofam, Pembe

Apome / Ananta Ananta (Ghana); Apome (Cote Cynometra ananta d’Ivoire); Others: Wonyae

Alstonia Sinuro/sinduro, Nyamedua Alstonia boonei (Ghana); Emien (Cote d’Ivoire); Ekouk (Cameroon); Others: Stoolwood, Patternwood

Avodire Apapaye (Ghana); Avodire Turraeanthus africanus (Cote d’Ivoire); Others: Apaya, Engan, Lusamba, wansenwa

Danta / Kotibe Danta, Epro, Akumaba (Ghana); Nesogordonia papaverifera Kotibe (Cote d’Ivoire); Ovoui, Owoe (Cameroon); Others: Aborbora, kondofindo

Denya / Okan Denya (Ghana); Bouemon Cylicodiscus gabunensis (Cote d’Ivoire); Okan, Aduom (Cameroon); Others: Edum

Dialium Duabankye (Ghana); Kofina, Dialium aubrevillei Afanbeou (Cote d’Ivoire); Mfang (Cameroon); Others: Kasusu, Omvong, Bongola, Pau veludo, Gbelle-flu, Gia kaba, Ziba

Effeu Hotro-Hotro, Fotie (Ghana) Hannoa klaineana Effeu (Côte d`Ivoire); Nomozek (Cameroon); Others: Hotoro

Essang / Asoma Asoma (Ghana); Lo (Cote Parkia bicolor d’Ivoire); Essang (Cameroon); Others: Asona,Dawadua, Osoma, Saoma, Locust bean

LESSER KNOWN SPECIES 29 Trade name Common/Local names Scientific name

Kroma / Eveuss Kroma, Kruma (Ghana, Klainedoxa gabonensis Cote d’Ivoire); Others: Eveuss, Eves, Ududu

Kumbi Kumanini (Ghana); Loloti (Cote Lannea welwitschii d’Ivoire); Ekoa (Cameroon); Others: Not available

Lati / Yaya Yaya (Ghana); Lati (Cote Amphimas pterocarpoides d’Ivoire); Edjin-Edzil (Cameroon); Others: Asanfran, Bokanga, Edzui, Muizi, Va Tue

Okoro / Nongo / Red Nongo Okoro, Okuro (Ghana); Bangbaye Albizia zygia (Cote d’Ivoire); Saliémo (Cameroon); Others: Omulera, Kassa-kassa, Ohura, Red nongo

Red Oak / Kwatafompaboa Kwatafompaboa (Ghana); Berlinia confusa Others: Abem, Ebiara, Melegba, Pocouli, Samata/Samanta

Niangon Nyankom (Ghana); Niangon (Cote Heretiera utilis d’Ivoire); Others: Anguekong, Ogoue, Kwaeduma,Wishmore

Tetekon Tetekon (Ghana); Vaa (Cote Gilbertiodendro limba d’Ivoire); Others: Agyamera, Bembe, Ekobem, Epal, Ligudu, Molapa, Sehmeh, Mbombi

Watapuo Watapuo, Wobre, Dodowa Cola gigantea (Ghana); Ouara (Cote d’Ivoire); Others: Not available

Wawabima / Brown Sterculia Wawabima (Ghana); Lotofa Sterculia rhinopetala (Cameroon); Others: Awasea, N’kwanang

30 LESSER KNOWN SPECIES This promotional guide was written by Grace Blackham, Isabela Núñez del Prado, James Parker and Cristina Tavares de Bastos from BVRio Institute. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research for the Forestry Research Institute of Ghana (CSIR-FORIG) provided the technical information used to prepare the guide, and we are especially grateful to Francis Wilson Owusu, Kwame Asamoah Adam, Haru- na Seidu, Prosper Mensah and James Govina. Proforest Initiative Africa monitored the imple- mentation of the project in Ghana on behalf of BVRio. The following key stakeholders of the timber industry provided guidance throughout the process: Timber Industry Development Division (TIDD) and Resource Management Support Centre (RMSC) of the Forestry Com- mission, Ghana Timber Millers Organization (GTMO), CSIR-FORIG and Ghana Timber As- sociation, with special thanks to Ben Donkor, Nurudeen Iddrisu, Peter Zormelo, Alexander Dadzie and Alexander Asare. This guide was made possible through the generous support of the FCDO’s Forest Governance, Markets and Climate Programme. The conclusions and recommendations contained in this document represent the views of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect those of the funders or other parties cited.

©BVRio Responsible Timber Exchange, September 2020 For further info, please contact: [email protected] LESSER-KNOWN Use BVRio's Responsible Timber Exchange to & LESSER-USED source legal and certified timber products TIMBER SPECIES www.bvrio.com UTILISING GHANA’S SUSTAINABLE TIMBER RESOURCES

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