Agba

Description

A tropical tree, Gossweilerodendron balsamiferum, native to the rain forests of west Africa. The enormous trees are an important timber resource producing hard, strong, pink to reddish-brown wood. The wood has a faint growth rings with evenly scattered pores. Its fine texture and straight grain, resembles Mahogany. The soft, lightweight timber is used for veneers, furniture, window frames, and flooring. The tree produces abundant amounts of gum that sometimes interfere with the finishing processes.

Synonyms and Related Terms

Gossweilerodendron balsamiferum; tola blanc (Fr.); Agba (Deut.); abga (It.); tola blanca (Esp.); tola branca (Port.); Nigerian cedar; pink mahogany; white tola; noboron; achi

Physical and Chemical Properties

• pink to brick red; distinct annual rings;
• diffuse pores;
• faint grain; * obscure rays;
• lightweight;
• soft; peppery smell when freshly cut
• density = 31 ppcf
• specific gravity = 0.50

Resources and Citations

• F. H. Titmuss, Commercial Timbers of the World, The Technical Press Ltd., London, 1965

• H.L.Edlin, What Wood is That?, Viking Press, New York, 1969

• Gordon Hanlon, contributed information, 1998