Rated as very durable; good insect resistance. Heartwood is a rather uniform pinkish brown, sometimes darker reddish brown. Color tends to darken with age. Sapwood is grayish brown. Figured grain patterns are also seen, such as pommele, quilted, mottled, and beeswing. Easy to work with hand or machine tools, though figured wood is much more prone to chipping and tearout in machining operations. Turns, glues, and finishes well. Responds well to steam bending.
Common Name(s): Moabi, African Pearwood
Scientific Name: Baillonella toxisperma
Distribution: Eq/Central Africa
Tree Size: 165-200 ft (50-60 m) tall, 5-8 ft (1.5-2.5 m) trunk diameter
Average Dried Weight: 54 lbs/ft3 (860 kg/m3))
Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): .71, .86
Janka Hardness: 1,790 lbf (7,960 N)
Modulus of Rupture: 23,240 lbf/in2 (160.3 MPa)
Elastic Modulus: 2,416,000 lbf/in2 (16.66 GPa)
Crushing Strength: 10,560 lbf/in2 (72.8 MPa)
Shrinkage: Radial: Radial: 6.2%, Tangential: 8.0%, Volumetric: 14.0%, T/R Ratio: 1.3
