Ayous

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Common names

Ayous, Obeche, Wawa, Samba, African whitewood, African maple

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Scientific Name

Triplochiton scleroxylon

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Family

Sterculiaceae

 

Description

Ayous or Obeche is creamy-white to pale-straw in colour with no clear distinction between sapwood and heartwood, though the wide sapwood is more susceptible to discoloration and insect attack. It is the lightest low-cost utility hardwood in general use, the density being about 0,38 seasoned. The grain is slightly interlocked; the texture open. When cut on the quarter and stained it has some resemblance to African mahogany. Large logs commonly contain brittleheart. The wood has a ribbon-like aspect on quarter-sawn faces, and is lustrous. Fresh wood has an unpleasant smell, which disappears upon drying.

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Density

(H=12%) : 0,38

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Treatability

Poorly permeable

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Seasoning

The timber dries easily and rapidly, with only a slight risk of distortion and checking

 

Stability

moderately stable to stable

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Durability

Non-durable. Obeche is not resistant to decay or staining fungi.

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Workability

Although it cannot be described as hard, the wood is firm under the tool, and even in texture. It works very easily with hand and machine tools, and does not blunt cutting edges of tools very quickly. In end-grain working, the timber may show a tendency to crumble, unless the tools are kept sharp, and edges are not allowed to become thick. It can be turned but is rather soft for this type of use as centres are apt to sink in. For jointed work, gluing is preferable to nailing or screwing, except for very light work. It stains and polishes well (the grain needs to be filled). The wood takes paint well with normal primers.

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End-Uses

• Moulding

• Veneer for interior of plywood

• Veneer for back or face of plywood

• Current furniture or furniture components

• Boxes and crates

• Interior joinery

 

• Interior panelling

• Panneaux de fibre ou de particules

• Blockboard

• Sculpture

• Allumettes

• Sliced veneer

• Crayons

 

Notes: Good substitute for POPLAR (Populus spp.) for several end-uses: light furniture, pannelling