Large-leaved mahogany — This is an image associated with the fact sheet for Acajou-grandes hojas, also called Khaya or large-leaved African mahogany. The surrounding text describes this wood species, including its differentiated sapwood and darker heartwood.

Specimen #1959

Large-leaved mahogany — Identification, Uses and Properties

Khaya grandifoliola Meliaceae

Often traded in mixed consignments as African Mahogany.

Valued for high-quality decorative applications and ship building due to its appearance and moderate durability.

HARDWOOD AFRICA FURNITURE

Taxonomy & Nomenclature

Botanical Name(s)

Khaya grandifoliola

Family

Meliaceae

Wood type

Hardwood

Local Names

African mahogany (International), Benin mahogany (Nigeria), Broad-leaved mahogany (English-speaking Africa), Acajou d'Afrique (France), Senegal mahogany (Senegal)

Origin Region

Africa

Main End Uses

Furniture · Cabinetmaking · Interior carpentry · Exterior carpentry · Plywood · Decorative veneer · Naval construction · Flooring · Musical instruments

Wood Identification Guide

Reference Colour

Dark brown with a golden luster; pinkish brown heartwood that darkens to reddish brown over time.

Texture

Medium to coarse.

Grain

Usually interlocked, sometimes straight.

Sapwood

Creamy yellowish white, clearly demarcated.

Interlocked Grain

Yes

Notes

Mahogany-like appearance with a ribbon-stripe figure on quartersawn surfaces. Vessels are visible to the naked eye and sometimes contain black deposits. Heavier and darker than other common African mahoganies like Khaya ivorensis.

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Log Description

Tree height

100 – 130 ft

Tree height

30 – 40 m

Diameter

120 - 200 cm

Sapwood Thickness

5 cm

Diameter

47.2-78.7 in

Sapwood Thickness

2 in

Physical & Mechanical Properties

Density

0.69 g/cm³ @ 12% MC

Density

43.1 lb/ft³

Monnin Hardness

1,350

Janka Hardness

1,350 lbf

Janka Hardness

6,005 N

Volumetric Shrinkage Coefficient

0.39 % / %

Tangential Shrinkage

5.5 %

Radial Shrinkage

3.7 %

T/R Anisotropy Ratio

1.5

Fibre Saturation Point

28 %

Crushing Strength

64 MPa

Crushing Strength

9,282 psi

Bending Strength (MOR)

105 MPa

Bending Strength (MOR)

15,229 psi

Modulus of Elasticity (MOE)

11,000 MPa

Modulus of Elasticity (MOE)

1,595,415 psi

Durability & Treatment

Resistance to Decay

Moderately durable (Class 3)

Dry Wood Borers

Durable

Termites

Moderately durable

Treatability

4 - Not permeable

Use Class

Class 2

Preservation Requirements

Against Dry Wood Borers

Does not require any preservative treatment for the heartwood.

Temporary Humidification

Requires appropriate treatment.

Permanent Humidification

Use not recommended.

Notes

Sapwood is susceptible to borers and termites; heartwood is strongly resistant to impregnation.

Drying Schedule & Risks

Drying Rate

Slow

Risk Distortion

Slight risk

Risk Case Hardening

Risk Checking

Slight risk

Risk Collapse

Sawing & Machining

Blunting Effect

Moderate

Tooth For Sawing

Ordinary or alloy steel

Machining Tools

Ordinary

Suitability Peeling

Poor

Suitability Slicing

Good

Notes

Difficult to machine because of interlocked grain leading to torn or fuzzy grain. Finishing requires prior pore-filler treatment.

Assembling & Finishing

Nailing Screwing

Good; holds well

CITES & Trade Restrictions

CITES Status

Appendix II

Trade Notes

Covers logs, sawn wood, veneer sheets, plywood, and transformed wood (annotation #17).

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