Mahogany
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African mahogany is the common name for all Khaya species, although their wood can vary in its properties, especially density. K. ivorensis grows in the coastal rainforests of West Africa, from Côte d’Ivoire to Cameroon and Gabon, including Ghana and Nigeria. K. anthotheca grows in parts of West Africa with lower rainfall.
In the common African mahogany species—K. ivorensis, K. anthotheca and, to some extent, K. grandifoliola—the freshly cut heartwood is distinctly pink. As it dries, the color ranges from light pinkish brown to deep reddish brown. The yellowish-brown sapwood is not always clearly distinguishable. K. grandifoliola has somewhat darker heartwood.
The grain is usually interlocked, and the texture is coarser than that of American mahogany (Swietenia spp.). Khaya species are moderately durable. Their mechanical properties resemble those of American mahogany, with greater resistance to splitting.
In the common African mahogany species—K. ivorensis, K. anthotheca and, to some extent, K. grandifoliola—the freshly cut heartwood is distinctly pink. As it dries, the color ranges from light pinkish brown to deep reddish brown. The yellowish-brown sapwood is not always clearly distinguishable. K. grandifoliola has somewhat darker heartwood.
The grain is usually interlocked, and the texture is coarser than that of American mahogany (Swietenia spp.). Khaya species are moderately durable. Their mechanical properties resemble those of American mahogany, with greater resistance to splitting.
