SCIENTIFIC NAME
Entandrophragma cylindricum. Derivation: The genus name is Greek meaning within the male membrane. The specific epithet is Greek for cylindrical referring to the fusiform, cylindrical fruits.

FAMILY
Meliaceae, the mahogany family.

OTHER NAMES
scented mahogany, aboudikro, penkwa, muyovu, libuyu, sapele mahogany.

DISTRIBUTION
In Africa from Ghana to the Congo (formerly Zaire) and Uganda.

THE TREE
Sapele grows to a height of 150 feet with diameters at breast height of 4 to 5 feet. The grayish-brown bark flakes but often may be smooth. The size of the buttresses vary. The straight cylindrical bole is clear for 80 to 100 feet. The deciduous leaves are pinnate with five to nine pairs of leaflets. Each narrow leaflet is 5 inches long and pointed at the tip. The fruits are pendulous capsules about 4 inches long. These then split into five valves to reveal 15 to 20 seeds.

THE TIMBER
The timber is light red to dark reddish-brown usually with a purplish cast. The distinct sapwood is white or pale yellow. The grain is interlocked, sometimes wavy, producing a narrow, uniform figure when quartersawn. It has a cedar-like aromatic odor. The taste is not distinct. The texture is medium, and the luster high and golden. Average reported specific gravity is 0.55 (ovendry weight/green volume), equivalent to an air-dried weight of 42 pef. The timber is in the same strength class as oak, being considerably stronger than either African or American mahogany.

SEASONING
Sapele seasons fairly rapidly with a marked tendency to distort. Average reported shrinkage values (green to ovendry) are 4.6% radial, 7.4% tangential and 14.0% volumetric. Excessive temperatures at the start of kiln drying should be avoided. Movement in service is rated as medium.

DURABILITY
Moderately resistant to termites, sapele is susceptible to attack by pinhole borers. Powder post beetles often damage the sapwood. It is resistant to preservative treatment.

WORKABILITY
Sapele is not difficult to work but will take the edge off tools more quickly than African mahogany. In planing and molding, the surface is likely to tear due to the interlocked grain. Glued joints are sound and nails and screws hold firmly but thin stock may split during nailing. The timber responds excellently to stain and polish treatment, but the finish may be non-uniform if the wood has not been properly surfaced.

USES
Since sapele belongs to the same botanical family as true mahogany, its uses are very similar. Uses include furniture and cabinetry, decorative veneers, paneling, flooring and plywood. It is widely used in joinery items such as staircases and window frames.

SUPPLIES
Sapele veneer and lumber are available at moderate prices.

Information from A Guide to Useful Woods of the World, Second Edition, James H. Flynn, Jr. and Charles D. Holder, Editors.
Forest Products Society, Madison, Wisconsin, 2001.

Photographs from MDArtworks