Mansonia

Description

Timber from the Mansonia altissima tree that is from in western Africa. Because the fine texture wood polishes silky smooth and has some resemblance to Walnut, it has been sold as African black walnut. Mansonia wood is used for furniture, veneer, and musical instruments.

Synonyms and Related Terms

Mansonia altissima; African black walnut; mansonia (Port.)

Risks

Inhalation and skin contact causes irritation and allergic reactions.
Bark and heartwood contain cardiac poisons that can cause heart disorders.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Heartwood is yellowish to grayish brown; color tends to fade with exposure to light
Sapwood is yellow to whitish and clearly demarcated
Grain is usually straight; texture is fine and uniform
Very durable to decay and resistant to insects.
Density = 38 ppcf

Working Properties

Sawdust is deleterious to health
Wood is easy to work
It glues, turns, and finishes well, and also has good steam bending properties.

Resources and Citations

The Wood Database: Mansonia

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

Michael McCann, Artist Beware, Watson-Guptill Publications, New York City, 1979