Zingana

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Common Names

Zingana, Zebrawood, Zebrano

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Scientific Name

Microberlinia brazzavillensis

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Family

Fabaceae-Caesalpinioideae

 

Description

The heartwood is a light golden-yellow with narrow veining streaks of dark brown to almost black, giving the quartered surfaces a zebra-stripe appearance. The grain is interlocked or wavy and produces alternating hard and soft grained material which makes the timber difficult to work. Zebrano has a coarse texture and a lustrous surface. Has an unpleasant odor that disappears after drying.

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Density

(H=12%): 0,79

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Treatability

Not permeable

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Seasoning

Difficult to season without warping, should be quarter swan to minimize degrade.

 

Stability

Moderately stable in service

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Durability

Heartwood is durable and resistant to termite attack.

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Workability

Although Zebrano works fairly readily with hand or machine tools, it is very difficult to get a good finish from machines due to the alternative nature of the grain. A belt sander will provide a smooth finish. Gluing is satisfactory with care and it finishes well once filled.

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End-Uses

• Sliced veneer

• Cabinetwork (high class furniture)

• Current furniture or furniture components

• Interior panelling

 

• Turned goods

• Fiber or particle boards

• Tool handles (resilient woods)

• Glued laminated