Pericopsis elata

Afrormosia wood

Afrormosia ( Pericopsis elata, Syn afrormosia elata Harms ), also called Kokrodua or Assamela, is a deciduous tree species from the genus Pericopsis in the subfamily of the Fabaceae ( Faboideae ). Afrormosia is native to tropical Africa. The tree provides a precious wood, which has gained importance as a teak substitute. The overexploitation of the tropical rain forests of Africa has led to afrormosia is now a critically endangered species. She is listed in CITES Appendix II.

Description

Afrormosia is up to 50 meters high and can reach a diameter of up to 2 meters. It is the heartwood of a brown to olive-brown color. The wood is characterized by a very prominent so-called interlocked grain and can be worked up well. This tree has pronounced a known resistance to some insects and fungi. Especially termites are safe for this tree.

Dissemination

Afrormosia is central to tropical Africa native to the western; the deposits are located in Cameroon, Congo, DR Congo, Ivory Coast, Ghana and Nigeria.

Use and trade ban

Currently, there are no certified afrormosia - wood, which (CITES ) may be traded after the CITES Convention. Afrormosia - wood is thus usually from illegal logging. Trade and possession of illegally harvested afrormosia is prohibited in all States that have signed the CITES agreement and can result in heavy penalties. In Cameroon, it already resulted in convictions for illegal export of timber. Can therefore be only discouraged from using it. Nevertheless, it still takes place in the furniture manufacturing, interior and exterior, as well as in boatbuilding plywood use.

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