Wenge (pronounced "wengay" )
wood (also known as
palissandre d'Afrique/
du Congo (
African/
Congolese rosewood),
faux ebenier,
dikela,
mibotu,
bokonge and
awong) is a tropical timber of the wenge tree (
Millettia laurentii) from
Africa. The tree's
heartwood is very dark and dense (specific gravity of 0.88) with a coarse grain and a pattern of nearly black grains separated by dark brown grains. Its
sapwood is distinct, being pale yellow. The tree is native to the
Republic of Congo, the
Democratic Republic of Congo,
Cameroon,
Gabon,
Tanzania, and
Mozambique. The trees grow to a height of approximately 20 meters with a trunk of up to 1 meter in diameter. The wood's figure is very distinctive, with a strong
partridge pattern; its appearance has gone in and out of fashion.
Uses
Alembic guitars of California has used this wood on numerous occasions for custom instruments. Also,
Warwick electric basses use it for fingerboards.
The wood is popular in woodturning, especially for segmented woodturning due to its dimensional stability and the color contrast when mixed with lighter woods such as maple.
The wood is sometimes used in the making of archery bows. In particular as a laminate in production of a flatbow. It can also be used in the making of rails or pin blocks on a hammered dulcimer.
When used in the flooring industry, it is one of the hardest woods in use due to its high impact strength and durability.
Endangerment and status
This species is endangered according to IUCN Red List, Category EN A1cd. Main reasons are destruction of its habitat and over-exploitation for timber..
Health hazards
The dust given off when cutting or sanding Wengé can cause
dermatitis similar to the effects of
poison ivy and is an irritant to the eyes. The dust can cause respiratory problems and drowsiness. Splinters are
septic similar to the wood of the
Chlorocardium rodiei tree which is commonly known as greenheart.
References
Further reading
- Baker, Mark (2004). "Wood for Woodturners". Sussex: Guild of Master Craftsmen Publications. ISBN 1861083246.
